Section 133: Proceedings: general provision
241.This section sets the time limit for making a reference to the Tribunal. The time limit is 28 days from the date of the decision notice or supervisory notice, unless a different period is prescribed in the procedural rules made for the Tribunal by the Lord Chancellor under section 132. The Tribunal will also have discretion to allow references to be made after the time limit has expired, subject again to any provision in the Tribunal’s procedural rules.
242.The section also makes clear that the Tribunal may hear any evidence it considers relevant in determining the case before it, including evidence that was not available to the Authority when it made its decision. The Tribunal must determine what action the Authority should take and may give directions to the Authority in order to give effect to its determination. The Tribunal may also make recommendations as to the Authority’s rules and procedures.
243.A supervisory notice takes effect on the date it specifies. However, subsection (9) provides that the Authority may not take the action referred to in a decision notice until the time for making a reference to the Tribunal has expired or, if the case is referred, until the case has been finally disposed of, including any subsequent appeals to the Court of Appeal, Court of Session or House of Lords (see section 137 below). An order of the Tribunal may be enforced as if it were an order of a county court in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or the Court of Session in Scotland.