Tribunal reform in Wales remains firmly on the agenda after the first minister of Wales confirmed he will bring forward legislation for a new system that will also be ready for further devolution of justice.

In a statement to the Senedd this month, first minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth said a Welsh tribunals Bill would be introduced ‘early in this Senedd’ to create a ‘modern, consistent and independent’ system.

The first minister said: ‘The system will not only be able to meet the current requirements of the different jurisdictions, but will be flexible enough to offer a forum that could be used for dispute resolution in other devolved policy areas. Looking ahead, in line with this government's commitment, the system will have the capacity to deal with the demands of any further devolution of justice.’

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Devolved tribunals already operate in Wales. Some - including mental health and agriculture - are grouped as the ‘Welsh Tribunals’ under the supervision of the president of Welsh Tribunals. Others, such as school admission and exclusion appeal panels, operate separately.

The Law Commission highlighted the need for tribunal reform in 2020, recommending a single system 'fit for the 21st century'. Three years later, the Welsh government published a white paper, proposing a unified and expanded tribunals system.

Welcoming the first minister’s commitment, Jonathan Davies, head of Wales at the Law Society, said: ‘Our Reimagining Justice in Wales 2030 report highlights that tribunal reform must address longstanding funding and capacity issues to improve outcomes. As the proposals develop, the Welsh Government must engage closely with the legal profession to ensure the new arrangements are properly resourced, accessible and able to meet the evolving needs of people across Wales.’