  Mainly because of its long half-life and despite its scientific relevance,
spectroscopic measurements of $^{176}$Lu forbidden $\beta$-decays are very
limited and lack formulation of shape factors. A direct precise measurement of
its $Q$ value is also presently unreported. In addition, the description of
forbidden decays provides interesting challenges for nuclear theory. The
comparison of precise experimental results with theoretical calculations for
these decays can help to test underlying models and can aid the interpretation
of data from other experiments.
