Some people affected by a bedroom tax decision have
had that decision overturned after making an appeal to a First-tier
Tribunal, even where none of the circumstances for an additional
room applies to them. This has been achieved with the help of
arguments made on the tenant's behalf by an expert adviser. It is
too early to say how common or how rare decisions of this kind will
turn out to be. Different tribunals may interpret the bedroom tax
rules in different ways, and even Tribunal decisions can sometimes
be overturned on a further appeal to the Upper Tribunal (a Tribunal
that deals with appeals against First-tier Tribunal decisions).
If you are affected by the bedroom tax and you want
to see if the decision can be challenged, you should seek expert
advice as soon as possible, from a welfare rights service, a Law
Centre, a CAB or other reputable advice agency. Many housing
associations have their own in-house welfare rights service.
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