Police Appeals Tribunal transfer to Scottish Tribunals structure regulations: island communities impact assessment

Data Gathering and Key Findings

The proposed transfer of the PAT is primarily administrative in nature. It is therefore anticipated that the impact on the islands will be neutral.

The proposals do not affect the ability of appellants across the country to exercise a right of appeal to an independent tribunal in respect of police appeals cases. Both the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal have the ability to hold hearings throughout Scotland and the ability to hold hearings virtually. Both Tribunals will take all circumstances into account when deciding on an appropriate venue for the parties to the appeal.

Appeals made to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal in respect of police appeals cases will not attract a civil court fee. As is the case with civil court fees more generally, a full public consultation will be undertaken if any changes or introduction of fees were to be proposed, which will include the full impact assessment process.