I used to sit on the Appeals Panel. It is nothing like that. The 3 Panel members are all independent and nothing to do with RPA. It is as informal as possible under the circumstances. The only RPA presence is one person to give technical guidance, they do not ask any questions and do not take part in the 'judgement'. When the appellant has left the room the RPA person leaves the room too and is not present while the Panel discuss their conclusions and come to their recommendation on the outcome of the Appeal. The recommendation goes to the Minister, who takes the final decision. But yes, you can take a witness or adviser.
You might be offered the option to do it by conference call. This was looked at a couple of years ago. Panel Members felt it was not appropriate in normal circumstances as it was important for appellants to be able to see the Panel members, and not everyone would be comfortable on the phone, juggling papers etc , but it may have been kept as an option under extreme circumstances.
As part of the claim we sought reimbursement of professional fees associated with the maladministration of the case. I believe they were paid. (Sorry for the very slow reply)
Only because a lot of 'em that work there don't know their @rse from their elbow
Only because a lot of 'em that work there don't know their @rse from their elbow
They appear to be working on the assumption that if they stall you off for long enough you'll go away.
Stick at 'em - the longer it goes on, the more chance you have.
Good luck.
