Oral hearing change from paper hearing by the Court

Dear Fellow members,

I have just received a letter from the Court that they are changing my hearing from 'paper' to 'oral' hearing. This has caused me so much stress as I did not want to engage in oral hearing. Plus it wasn't my preferred option.

Please, could you advise me what I can do as the Judge clearly can't decide without having an oral hearing.

Is there anything I can do to 'push back'?

I wanted the Court to look into the evidence (which I have 500 pages). DWP only offered me standard rates for both elements of PIP.

I am so worried that that I will now be in a worse position (I get really shaky speaking to people I don't know especially Court!!! nor have I have any representatives!!!).

I would greatly appreciate your help on this - do you think it is still possible to move the oral hearing back to paper / give my reasons why etc? Has anyone been in my shoes before and could help me?

Thank you in advance!
Alex

Thank you so much, BIS. I'll definitely give them a call.

Just to add that DWP already offered me standard rates but the only reason I went to the Tribunal was to check that their award was accurate and so I opted in for a paper hearing!

There's plenty of medical evidence, 500 pages, proper grounds etc. so I don't get what more they want!

Would it be valid to say that they switched this to oral hearing because it is 'more convenient' for them / would make their job easier? That way disrespecting my preference? Do you think that is a valid point?

Thank you for your help!
Alex

Dear Greekqueen,

Thank you very much for your kind help.

I have called the Tribunal and they said I should 'put this in writing' that I wish to continue with a paper hearing.

I will note in my letter that it will cause me overwhelming stress due to my longstanding mental health conditions.

Do you have any recommendations I should add to the letter to make it sound formal and to highlight the seriousness of the request / point out anything else to them so they honour my preference?

Many thanks again for your support.
Alex