Neil,
In lieu of anyone posting an enlightened response to my question (and my solution unless anyone does!), I would probably remedy by helping clmt to make a late appeal, providing a letter for them to sign and return along the lines of:
[i:c9d514dbb5]Dear LA,
Please accept this letter as an appeal against the decision…….{date/matter of dispute}
I would have made the appeal earlier but CAB made an appeal on my behalf and, as this was being looked at, I was not aware that I needed to do anything further myself. As I have now been advised that the appeal by CAB cannot be accepted, please accept this late appeal.[/i:c9d514dbb5]
It isn’t always advisable to “put words in the clmt’s mouth” but in such circs I would (better than advising them to make a late appeal & explain their reasons when you already know what those reasons are!) 😉