The Consumer Credit Appeals Tribunal Rules 2008

Public hearings and directions for private hearings

20.—(1) In this rule, “hearing” means any oral hearing under these Rules except for a directions hearing that takes place without notice to the other party under rule 5(4) (disclosure).

(2) Subject to the following paragraphs of this rule, all hearings must be in public.

(3) The Tribunal may upon the request of a party or of the Tribunal’s own initiative direct that all or part of a hearing is to be in private if—

(a) the Tribunal is satisfied that a hearing in private is necessary in the circumstances; and

(b) it is in the interests of justice.

(4) Before making a direction under paragraph (3), the Tribunal must give a party or the parties as the case may be, an opportunity to make representations.

(5) Before giving a direction under paragraph (3) that all of a hearing should be in private, the Tribunal must consider whether it is only necessary that part of the hearing should be in private.

(6) Where a hearing is in private, the Tribunal may direct that any particular individual be—

(a) excluded from that hearing; or

(b) permitted to attend that hearing.

(7) Subject to any direction under paragraph (8), the Tribunal must allow for the public inspection of—

(a) a daily list of all hearings; and

(b) information about the time and place fixed for hearings.

(8) Where all or part of a hearing is held or is to be held in private, the Tribunal may direct that information about the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings (including information that might help to identify any person) must not be made public.

(9) Where a direction is given under paragraph (8), the Tribunal must state what information is to be withheld or removed from the register.