Tribunals get tougher

Increasing complexity of the law is making it difficult for individuals to use tribunals, particularly in employment and social security disputes, initial responses to Sir Andrew Leggatt's tribunals review have revealed.

Of the 90 respondents who dealt with the question of whether users could be expected to prepare or present cases unassisted, 49 felt that the complexity of the law and specialised issues put matters beyond the comprehension of most lay appellants.

The complexity of equal pay and sex discrimination cases in the employment and employment appeals tribunals were cited as particularly complex areas.There are in total around 100 tribunals, ranging from the Antarctic Act Tribunal to the Chemical Weapons Licensing Appeals Tribunal.Just over 30% of 93 respondents to a question about what kind of advice and assistance should be offered to individuals, said specialist expert or legal advice was needed for people to deal with tribunal hearings.

Sixteen respondents felt legal aid should be available for complex cases.

Although 26 of 88 respondents said tribunals should not have general powers to award costs, 17 were in favour it; 31 said the power should be discretionary.Forty-nine of 74 respondents said access to tribunals should remain free, although 25 accepted there should be some charge: 14 said charges would discourage frivolous, vexatious or non-meritorious cases.LINKS www.tribunals-review.org.ukSue Allen