Referendums (Scotland) Act 2020

Appeals etc.

16 (1) A person served with a stop notice may appeal against the decision to serve it on the ground that—

(a) the decision was based on an error of fact,

(b) the decision was wrong in law,

(c) the decision was unreasonable,

(d) any step specified in the notice is unreasonable, or

(e) the person has not acted as mentioned in paragraph 13(2)(b) or (3)(b) and would not have done so even if the stop notice had not been served.

(2) A person served with a stop notice may appeal against a decision not to issue a completion certificate on the ground that the decision—

(a) was based on an error of fact,

(b) was wrong in law, or

(c) was unfair or unreasonable.

(3) An appeal under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) is to a sheriff.

(4) An appeal under sub-paragraph (1) against a decision to serve a stop notice must be made within the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the stop notice is received.

(5) An appeal under sub-paragraph (2) against a decision not to issue a completion certificate must be made within the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which notification of the decision is received.

(6) Where an appeal under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) is made, the stop notice continues to have effect unless it is suspended or varied on the order of the sheriff.