27.—(1) This rule applies to Default Paper cases.
(2) The appellant may send or deliver a written reply to the First-tier Tribunal so that it is received within 30 days after the date on which the respondent sent to the appellant the statement of case to which the reply relates.
(3) The appellant’s reply may—
(a)set out the appellant’s response to the respondent’s statement of case;
(b)provide any further information (including, where appropriate, copies of the documents containing such information) which has not yet been provided to the First-tier Tribunal and is relevant to the case; and
(c)contain a request that the case be dealt with at a hearing or without a hearing.
(4) The appellant must send or deliver a copy of any reply provided under paragraph (2) to each respondent at the same time as it is provided to the First-tier Tribunal.
(5) If the appellant provides a reply to the First-tier Tribunal later than the time required by paragraph (2) or by any extension allowed under rule 5(3)(a) (power to extend time), the reply must include a request for an extension of time and the reason why the reply was not provided in time.
(6) Following receipt of the appellant’s reply, or the expiry of the time for the receipt of the appellant’s reply then, unless it directs otherwise and subject in any event to paragraph (7), the First-tier Tribunal must proceed to determine the case without a hearing.
(7) If any party has made a written request to the First-tier Tribunal for a hearing, the First-tier Tribunal must hold a hearing before determining the case.