Section 55 – Hearings in cases
69.This section sets out that tribunal rules may provide for when matters can be dealt with without a hearing, in a private hearing or at a public hearing. They will also detail when notice of a hearing has to be given, who may appear on behalf of a party in a case and who may attend to provide support to a party in a case or as a witness in a case. Tribunal rules will also detail when particular persons may appear or be represented at a hearing, and specify when a hearing may go ahead without notice in the absence of a particular member. Tribunal rules may also allow two or more sets of proceedings to be taken concurrently and may also cover when a case may be adjourned to allow the parties to try and resolve the dispute by alternative dispute resolution methods. The tribunal rules will also set out when reporting restrictions may be imposed.
