The Welsh Language Tribunal Rules 2015

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules are made by the President of the Welsh Language Tribunal (“the Tribunal”) and allowed by the Welsh Ministers in accordance with section 123 of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (“the Measure”). The Rules set out the practices and procedures which the Tribunal must follow in exercising its jurisdiction under the Measure.

Part A contains general provisions including definitions, the overriding objective of the Tribunal, requirements on parties to co-operate, and the languages of the Tribunal.

Part B contains provisions on the establishment and membership of tribunal panels.

Part C makes provision about the commencement of applications to the Tribunal, including provisions on how to commence an application, the time limits involved, the content of applications, the requirements on the Secretary of the Tribunal upon receiving an application, and the appointment of representatives to act on behalf of parties.

Part D contains provisions on the preparation of cases for hearing. This includes provision requiring parties to prepare case statements within specified periods together with evidence relied upon for submission to the Tribunal. There is also provision in this Part requiring these documents be shared with other parties. This Part also allows the Secretary of the Tribunal to make enquiries of the parties in relation to matters such as representation and reliance on witnesses.

Part E relates to the Tribunal’s management powers. These include provision allowing the Tribunal to make directions relating to applications on issues such as procedure, evidence and disclosure. This Part also provides the Tribunal with the power to strike out applications, order similar matters to be heard together, and to add or substitute parties.

Part F contains provisions on hearings and decisions. These include requirements relating to the provision of notice to parties of the date, place and time of hearings, procedures to be followed at hearings, the provision of evidence by witnesses at hearings, when a case can proceed without a hearing, and the decisions of the Tribunal.

Part G contains provisions on matters arising after a hearing. This includes reviews of Tribunal decisions by the President of the Tribunal and the powers relating to a review. This Part also sets out the procedures to follow in the event of a High Court order varying, setting aside or otherwise altering a decision of the Tribunal.

Part H contains miscellaneous provisions such as orders for costs and expenses, the maintenance of a Register of applications to the Tribunal and the publication of decisions.