Stage 1 scrutiny by the Justice Committee
Background
The Tribunals (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 8 May 2013.
The main policy objective of the Bill is to create a new structure for devolved tribunals in Scotland. In this respect the Bill will create a two-tier structure - a First-tier Tribunal for first instance decisions and an Upper Tribunal which will primarily deal with appeals, both under the Leadership of the Lord President of the Court of Session.
The initial aim is for certain devolved tribunals (see schedule 1 of the Bill) to be transferred to the new structure. According to the Scottish Government, the first tribunals likely to be transferred are: the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland; the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland; the Private Rented Housing Panel/Home Owner Housing Panel; the Lands Tribunal for Scotland; and the Scottish Charity Appeals Panel.
Read the Tribunals (Scotland) Bill and accompanying documents.
Evidence
Written evidence
The Committee issued a call for written evidence on Wednesday 5 June 2013. The deadline for submissions was 5 pm on Friday 2 August.
Oral evidence
The Committee took oral evidence on the Bill at its meetings on 3, 10 and 17 September.
Report
The Committee published its Stage 1 Report to on Monday 14 October 2013.
Read the Justice Committee's 15th Report, 2013 (Session 4) Stage 1 Report on the Tribunals (Scotland) Bill (SP Paper 406)
Debate
Consideration of the Bill at Stage 1 concluded with the debate in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament on 7 November 2013.
Additional Information
Correspondence