ESA Tribunal – Statement of Reasons

The Forum FAQ says: “Whether you are considering appealing to the Upper Tribunal or not, there can be good reasons for requesting a Statement of Reasons.” But it doesn’t elaborate.

Can someone please explain the potential benefit in getting a Statement of Reasons given I have won my appeal? (I am not going to appeal to the Upper Tribunal, obviously.)

But I wonder if the SoR would be any use during the next cycle which will start soon (i.e. when I have a fresh ATOS exam, am refused ESA, send in my appeal, attend another tribunal hearing…)

Thanks in advance for any light shed.

Hi Andy

I don't know anyone who has applied for a SOR having won an appeal, but what would concern me is that if the judge makes a poor job of it and gives inadequate reasons the DWP may have grounds to appeal to the UT, whereas they wouldn't have had otherwise?

Regards

Derek

Thanks, Gordon & Derek. Very useful.

I hadn’t realised that the DWP automatically get a copy of the SoR (though it’s obvious now you’ve said it). And the risk that the SoR might be badly done and potentially count against me is a real twist. Not beyond the bounds of possibility, even though the judge seemed a good egg!

I think I’ll leave well enough alone. I was just tempted by the idea of extra evidence to use in the next round of the Great Game of ESA!

Thanks once, again.