Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber confirms that it is still not possible to hold face-to-face hearings in Northern Ireland

Revised guidance from Chamber President advises that hearings will continue to be either held remotely or adjourned until further notice

The Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber (UTAAC) has confirmed that it is still not possible to hold face-to-face hearings in Northern Ireland due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In revised guidance dated 14 September 2020 - which replaces guidance issued on 27 March 2020 - Chamber President Dame Judith Farbey advises that, until further notice, all listed UTAAC hearings in Belfast will be heard remotely or, if the judge decides that is not reasonably practicable, will be adjourned until it is possible to hold a face-to-face hearing.

NB - Dame Judith also advises that -

• there has been no change to the time limits for complying with directions or rules of procedure, including for seeking permission to appeal or appealing; and
• where the impact of the coronavirus pandemic leads to delay in complying with directions, a brief explanation should be provided.

The Revised guidance for users in Northern Ireland from 14 September 2020 is available from judiciary.uk