Is this a new thing? Client received PC overpayment letter from Debt Management, we put in an appeal by letter within time. I have now received a letter of explanation from DM (inadequate as it happens), which acknowledges receipt of the appeal, says if you wish to withdraw the appeal please complete the enclosed slip, or if you want to continue please complete the enclosed GL24. Is this standard practice now? Why should we complete a GL24 when the appeal has been properly made? What happens if we don't respond at all? Hopefully the appeal process would continue.

As long as the appeal letter contains all the info required to make it valid then it should continue. The department cannot insist on a GL24.

Possible explanation though might be if the appeal was construed as a recon...?

I thought GL24s were no longer to be used under the new Tribunal rules? Does anybody know more about this?

We have not received information nor been made aware of any changes to the current appeals process, including use of GL24's.

I would agree with above posting in that as long all relevant information is included in a letter, telephone/textphone or other communication with DWP, then are are no grounds for refusal to accept an appeal.

i got told last week that they no longer accept appeals by phone or textphone. it had to be by GL24 or writing, (writing was only grudgingly agreed)

Appeals have always had to be in writing, whether under the old Adjudication Regulations, or under regulation 33(1) of the Decision and Appeals Regulations 1998 and now, under rule 23 of The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 2008.

There was no specified format under the old Adjudication Regs although an AO could insist on further particulars if those already given were deemed insufficient. Under the D&A Regs there was a clear choice between a letter and a GL24 (and as Tony said, the Department could not insist on a GL24 as long as the appeal contained sufficient particulars).

The new tribunal rules have basically combined the open endedness of the adjudication Regs with the rigour of the D&A Regs. That is, the requirement is for “an appeal notice” containing specified particulars and signed.