I do something altogether different (You would ! I hear you cry)
We convene a panel made up of an officer from a neighbouring council and the local CAB (providing they have not been involved). They give us an opinion as to whether the correct decision has been made, or an alterative suggestion.
It works very well in practice as it is independant but the persons involved are knoweldgeable. it is also quite a quick process but allows the claimant to believe that a fair review has been carried out.
It is a scheme we have had in place for 3 years now and we have had no problems. The panel can ask the appellant to appear before them but this hasn’t happened yet.
the CAB and local Councils involved have all signed an agreeement as to the working practice.
.
