ESA Tribunal - Can we request hearing in our area?

Hello, I was pointed towards your site by a friend, my stepson has had his mandatory reconsideration refused, so we are going for the appeal. He has Asperger and recently was rushed to hospital with kidney failure. We live in the North West (Manchester area) and my stepson lives in Berkshire. Due to his Asperger, he will not attend the hearing, so can we request to have it heard in our area?

The reason I am asking this is we had to jump through the same hoops for PIP, which took 18 months, and 2 hearings were cancelled because DWP couldn't attend or provide all information. The 3rd time the judge heard the case. It costs a lot to get to Berkshire - I have to take leave from work, then there are travel and overnight costs involved - so I don't want to travel 4 hours to be told DWP haven't sent a document.

Any advice would be appreciated.