In most circumstances we will offer advice on the merits of an appeal to and representation before the Social Security Commissioner. We will sometimes represent in social security tribunals and housing benefit review boards, subject to the time commitments of staff.

However, we recognise and welcome the considerable development in the provision of representation in this area by many of our member agencies and primarily see our role in relation to tribunal representation as one of consultancy support. The greater the complexity of the issues which arise in a tribunal appeal, the more appropriate it will be for us to represent.

Some areas of social security law are not appropriate for referral to the Law Centre. We will not assist with Social Fund reviews and Social Fund Inspector reviews unless they raise a strategic point of law.