[2025] UKUT 86 (AAC)

It unfortunately took some time for a date to be identified for this hearing where a hearing venue was available in Manchester for an in-person hearing on a date that was convenient to the parties and Tribunal. This accounts for the further delay between the grant of permission and this final hearing.

At this hearing, we received the aforementioned witness statements from the appellant, who gave oral evidence on oath and was questioned by counsel for DBS and the Tribunal.

The appellant did not file any additional witness statements or seek witness orders for any other witnesses.

Despite the invitation extended to DBS in the grant of permission to file evidence for this hearing, DBS elected to rely on the documents in the bundle and submissions.

DBS filed a skeleton argument and made oral submissions. The appellant made submissions orally.