2020 No. 416 (L. 11)

Tribunals And Inquiries

The Tribunal Procedure (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Rules 2020

Made8th April 2020

Laid before Parliament9th April 2020

Coming into force in accordance with rule 1

The Tribunal Procedure Committee makes the following Rules, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 22 of, and Schedule 5 to, the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 20071, having consulted in accordance with paragraph 28(1) of Schedule 5 to that Act.

The Lord Chancellor has allowed the Rules in accordance with paragraph 28(3) of Schedule 5 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Citation, commencement and expiry1.

(1)

These Rules may be cited as the Tribunal Procedure (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Rules 2020.

(2)

These Rules come into force on the day after the day on which they are laid, and shall cease to have effect on the same day that, and immediately after, section 55(b) (public participation in proceedings conducted by video or audio) of the Coronavirus Act 20202 expires for all purposes.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Rules 20082.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Rules 20083 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 5 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)5A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 22 (order that a school be regarded as not registered pending determination of an appeal), rule 23 (decision with or without a hearing), rule 35 (restrictions on disposal of proceedings without a hearing) or rule 37 (time and place of hearings), the Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing otherwise than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 26 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (3), insert—

“(3A)
Without prejudice to paragraph (3), the Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 26 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)26A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 26(3A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

(5)

In rule 37 (time and place of hearings)—

(a)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

at the beginning, insert “Subject to paragraph (1A),”; and

(ii)

for “7”, substitute “10”;

(b)

after paragraph (1), insert—

“(1A)
If the Tribunal considers that it is not reasonably practicable for a hearing to start within the period specified in paragraph (1), the hearing must start within such time as the Tribunal may direct.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber) Rules 20083.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber) Rules 20084 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 5 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)5A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 25 (decision with or without a hearing), the Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing otherwise than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 28 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (2), insert—

“(2A)
Without prejudice to paragraph (2), the Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 28 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)28A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 28(2A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 20084.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 20085 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 5 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)5A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 27 (decision with or without a hearing), the Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing otherwise than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 30 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (3), insert—

“(3A)
Without prejudice to paragraph (3), the Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 30 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)30A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 30(3A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 20085.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 20086 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 5 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)5A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 34 (decision with or without a hearing), the Upper Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Upper Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Upper Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing other than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 37 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (2), insert—

“(2ZA)
Without prejudice to paragraph (2), the Upper Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Upper Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 37 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)37A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Upper Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Upper Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 37(2ZA); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory Chamber) Rules 20096.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory Chamber) Rules 20097 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 5 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)5A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 32 (decision with or without a hearing), the Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing otherwise than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 35 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (2), insert—

“(2A)
Without prejudice to paragraph (2), the Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 35 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)35A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 35(2A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 20097.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 20098 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 5 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)5A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 24(2) (basic cases), rule 26(7) (further steps in a default paper case) and rule 29 (determination with or without a hearing), the Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing otherwise than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 32 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (2), insert—

“(2A)
The Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 32 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)32A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 32(2A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) (Lands Chamber) Rules 20108.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) (Lands Chamber) Rules 20109 are amended as follows.

(2)

In rule 48 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (3), insert—

“(3A)
In particular, the Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(3)

After rule 48 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)48A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 48(3A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Property Chamber) Rules 20139.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Property Chamber) Rules 201310 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 6 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)6A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 31 (decision with or without a hearing), rule 44 (urgent IMO authorisation applications) and rule 46 (procedure in urgent cases) the Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing otherwise than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 33 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (2), insert—

“(2A)
Without prejudice to paragraph (2), the Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 33 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)33A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 33(2A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

Amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 201410.

(1)

The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 201411 are amended as follows.

(2)

After rule 4 (case management powers), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (decisions without a hearing)4A.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything in rule 25 (consideration of decision with or without a hearing) and rule 39 (bail hearings), the Tribunal may make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing if the Tribunal considers that the conditions in paragraph (2) are satisfied.
(2)
The conditions are—
(a)
the matter is urgent;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for there to be a hearing (including a hearing where the proceedings would be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings); and
(c)
it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(3)
This rule does not prejudice any power of the Tribunal to make a decision which disposes of proceedings without a hearing otherwise than under this rule.”.

(3)

In rule 27 (public and private hearings), after paragraph (2), insert—

“(2A)
Without prejudice to paragraph (2), the Tribunal may direct that a hearing, or part of it, is to be held in private if—
(a)
the Tribunal directs that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly or partly as video proceedings or audio proceedings;
(b)
it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing;
(c)
a media representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and
(d)
such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.”.

(4)

After rule 27 (public and private hearings), insert—

“Coronavirus temporary rule (recording of remote hearings)27A.
(1)
In the circumstances set out in paragraph (3), the Tribunal must direct that the hearing be recorded, if practicable.
(2)
Where the Tribunal has made a direction under paragraph (1), it may direct the manner in which the hearing must be recorded.
(3)
The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are that the hearing, or part of it, is—
(a)
held in private under rule 27(2A); or
(b)
only treated as held in public by virtue of a media representative being able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place.”.

We make these Rules

Tim Fagg

Donald W Ferguson

Jayam Dalal

Mark Loveday

Michael Reed

TPC Members

I allow these Rules

Chris Philp

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Ministry of Justice

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules make temporary amendments to the various rules which apply in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal. Rule 1 provides that the amendments made by the Rules will expire on the same day as section 55(b) of the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Rule 2 amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/2699) (“the HESC Rules”).

Rule 3 amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/2686).

Rule 4 amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/2685).

Rule 5 amends the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/2698).

Rule 6 amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory Chamber) Rules 2009 (S.I. 2009/1976).

Rule 7 amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2009 (S.I. 2009/273)

Rule 8 amends the Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) (Lands Chamber) Rules 2010 (S.I. 2010/2600) (“the Lands Chamber Rules”).

Rule 9 amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Property Chamber) Rules 2013 (S.I. 2013/1169).

Rule 10 amends the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/2604).

There are three kinds of amendments made:

A rule which makes provision about when hearings are heard in private or public is amended, and a new rule on recording of remote hearings is inserted, in each set of Rules mentioned above.

A new rule which provides additional powers to decide a case without a hearing is inserted into each set of Rules mentioned above, other than the UT LC Rules.

Rule 37 of the HESC Rules is amended to extend the time limit within which the hearing of an appeal under 66(1)(a) of the Mental Health Act 1983 must be started, and to provide the Tribunal with the discretion to extend that time limit when it is not reasonably practicable for it to be complied with.