Government to review Scottish tribunals system
25 Jun 09
Move follows Philip report into administrative justice
The Scottish Government is to take forward proposals for a Tribunals Service for Scotland, following a report by the Administrative Justice Steering Group (AJSG).
The creation of a new service to oversee tribunals was one of the options from the AJSG in its report on tribunals last year.
The news comes as the group chaired by Lord Philip publishes a second report, this time examining the wider administrative justice system – which includes complaints handling by public bodies as well as tribunals and ombudsmen. This second report makes a series of observations and concludes that the system is not yet good enough to meet the needs of users.
Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing MSP, says the Government regards administrative justice as being a key part of Scotland’s justice system:
“This report is an excellent survey of the administrative justice landscape, and we will consider it just as carefully as the first Philip Report,” he said.
“Scotland needs a tribunal system that is independent, effective, efficient, and accessible. To that end we intend to focus on the possible creation of a Scottish Tribunals Service, giving the people of Scotland the tribunal system they deserve.”