1. Paragraphs 2 to 7 apply to an application for a reduction under an authority’s scheme.
2. An application may be made—
(a)in writing,
(b)by means of an electronic communication in accordance with Part 4, or
(c)where the authority has published a telephone number for the purpose of receiving such applications, by telephone.
3.—(1) An application which is made in writing must be made to the designated office and be—
(a)on a properly completed form approved by the authority for the purposes of making an application in writing; or
(b)in such written form as the authority accepts as sufficient in the circumstances of any particular case (or class of cases) having regard to the sufficiency of the written information and evidence.
(2) Where an application in writing is not made in the form described in paragraph 3(1)(a) or (b) it is defective.
(3) Any form provided by the authority for the purposes of making an application in writing must be provided free of charge .
4.—(1) Where an application made in writing is defective because—
(a)it was made on the form approved for the purpose but that form is not accepted by the authority as being properly completed, the authority may request the applicant to complete the defective application; or
(b)it was made in writing but not on the form approved for the purpose and the authority does not accept the application as being in a written form which is sufficient in the circumstances of the case having regard to the sufficiency of the written information and evidence, the authority may supply the applicant with the approved form or request further information or evidence.
(2) An application made on an approved form is properly completed if it is completed in accordance with the instructions on the form, including any instructions to provide information and evidence in connection with the application.
5.—(1) If an application made by electronic communication is defective the authority must provide the person making the application with an opportunity to correct the defect.
(2) An application made by electronic communication is defective if the applicant does not provide all the information the authority requires.
6. In a particular case the authority may determine that an application made by telephone is only valid if the person making the application approves a written statement of that person’s circumstances provided by the authority.
7.—(1) If an application made by telephone is defective the authority must provide the person making the application with an opportunity to correct the defect.
(2) An application made by telephone is defective if the applicant does not provide all the information the authority requests during the telephone call.