Welfare Funds (Scotland) Act 2015

10 Procedural matters

(1) The procedure for conducting a review in pursuance of an application under section 7(2) is to be such as the Ombudsman thinks fit.

(2) The Ombudsman may, in particular—

(a) obtain information from such persons and in such manner, and make such inquiries, as the Ombudsman thinks fit,

(b) hold an oral hearing or determine the review without one.

(3) The Ombudsman may require any of the following persons to supply or produce information or documents which the Ombudsman considers is or are, or may be, relevant to the review—

(a) the local authority concerned,

(b) the applicant for assistance,

(c) any other person.

(4) The Ombudsman may administer oaths at an oral hearing held in relation to the review.

(5) The Ombudsman may make rules setting out—

(a) factors to be taken into account by the Ombudsman in deciding whether to hold an oral hearing in relation to a review in pursuance of applications under section 7(2),

(b) the procedure to be followed in connection with an oral hearing.

(6) Before making such rules, the Ombudsman must consult—

(a) local authorities, and

(b) such other persons as the Ombudsman considers appropriate.

(7) The Ombudsman must publish any such rules as soon as reasonably practicable.