If you have received a letter from us informing you of a decision about either your housing benefit or council tax benefit, you can contact us to:
-
Ask for an explanation stating why you are dissatisfied. You must contact us within one calendar month of the date of the decision letter. It is best to do this in writing in a letter or e-mail, to the address on the right. However you can also do this by phone. The Council will provide a verbal or written explanation.
-
Apply for a revision of the council's decision. You must do this within one calendar month (plus any time spent waiting for the explanation of the decision). This can be done via e-mail or letter to the address on the right. The council will look at your case again and tell you if the decision is to be changed.
-
Apply for an appeal against the council's decision. You must do this within one calendar month of the result of your request for revision or the decision letter. To do this you must complete form APP1 (on the right hand side) and return it to us. This will be considered at an independent tribunal held by an outside body – the Appeals Service – where you can submit your case either in person or in writing.
The appeal form is also available from the Civic Centre or any of the Gateshead Housing Company Offices.