Text:Tribunal rule explanatory note

Part 1 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c.15) establishes a new tribunal structure comprising a First-tier Tribunal and an Upper Tribunal. Appeal functions of existing tribunals are being transferred to this structure and assigned to chambers within the new tribunals. These Rules govern the practice and procedure to be followed in the First-tier Tribunal in proceedings which have been allocated to the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber by the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal (Chambers) Order 2008(29).

Part 1 contains provisions for interpreting and applying the Rules and sets out the overriding objective of the Rules.

Part 2 contains general powers and provisions including the Tribunal’s general case management powers, the giving of directions, the power to strike out a party’s case, the service of documents and rules about evidence, submissions and witnesses.

Part 3 contains provisions on starting proceedings and on responses and replies in cases other than mental health cases. It also makes provision for hearings and for decisions made by the Tribunal in those cases.

Part 4 contains provisions on starting proceedings and on statements by authorities in mental health cases. It also makes provision for hearings and for decisions made by the Tribunal in those cases.

Part 5 deals with correcting, setting aside, reviewing and appealing against Tribunal decisions.