A frugal life is an easy life!

Knowledge is power, never more so than when dealing with a dispute against any debt collection agency, bank, building society, tribunal, company, etc.

I cannot stress this enough - if I had a pound for everyone I try to help, who gives away information needlessly and weakens their own case, I would be a rich man!

Wether you are dealing with a tribunal or a small claims court, the less you inform the other party of your intent or case, the better.
By giving basic answers such as "No" in the correspondance leading up to your case, you can strengthen your case, whatever it maybe.
Why do you think that companies drag out any proposed legal or small claims action?
The purpose of this is to establish their own counter-argument, giving the deciding court/tribunal no choice but to find in their favour.
If you give them no information to build their case on, then when it comes to the final outcome, they have no idea what you are going to argue and have to argue blind. You on the other hand, will go into court/tribunal, with your valid points to win your case.

When defending yourself in an official capacity, keep things simple!

All you have to do is give the person/panel deciding your case, an argument that leaves them no choice but to find in your favour.
Keep to the relevant facts and sum up, pointing out at least THREE reasons why you should win your case.

A magistrate/panel etc, only require pointing in the right direction, once you have highlighted your argument then they have no choice but to find in your favour!