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Composition of Tribunals post 18-03-2021

Martin Williams
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Welfare rights advisor - CPAG, London

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I note that the practice direction which allows tribunals to decide cases with a single judge due to Covid restrictions is set to expire after 18/03/2021-

https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15-Sept-20-SPT-Amended-Panel-Composition-Pilot-PD-Sept-2020.pdf

I am fairly certain that we will simply get another extension of the scheme but something to watch out for just in case.

Martin

Elliot Kent
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WR Adviser
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Welfare rights worker - Community Law Service, Northampton

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Hi, have I missed it or has there been no extension to the special measures relating to tribunal procedure due to COVID-19?  The Practice Direction was issued in March 20, then extended to 18 Sept 21 but I haven’t seen anything since then.  Has anyone else?

Stuart
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Can’t see there has been a further extension. This update from May 2021, from a letter to the Justice Committee, suggests it was more likely the PD would be revoked early rather than extended -

COVID-19 Practice Directions - These PDs have been re-issued to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. These PDs, dictating procedures in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, are amended extensions of the PDs that were re-issued on 15 September 2020. They remain temporary measures, extended by 6 months. The PDs ensure the continued safe, efficient and effective administration of the justice system during these extraordinary times. These re-issued PDs came into force on 18 March 2021.

The Senior President of tribunals has agreed to a formal gateway review of these PDs in June to ensure they keep pace with the changes outlined by the Covid-19 Roadmap. If restrictions continue to be lifted as planned, then the PDs may need to be further amended and potentially revoked before the six month period.

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/6183/documents/68919/default/

WR Adviser
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Thanks Stuart, that’s interesting. It seems odd there has been no formal update as such.