Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 - draft regulations making provision for social security appeals: consultation analysis

Adding the Name of the Social Security chamber

Section 20 of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 gives the power for the Scottish Ministers to make Regulations providing for the organisation of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland into chambers. This power has been exercised in making the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (chambers) Regulations 2016. Regulation 2 lists the chambers into which the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland is divided and the draft Regulations add the name of the 'Social Security chamber' to the list.

The second part of the consultation sought views on this proposal.

Q4. Do you have any comments you wish to make on the draft First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (chambers) Amendment Regulations?

The majority of respondents either gave no response to this question (9) or indicated that they had no comments (10).

Of the 6 respondents who provided responses, one suggested that this was a necessary prerequisite in terms of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 and another simply indicated that they agreed with the name.

The small number of other comments were more generic in nature and pointed to the need to have a name that was destigmatising and accessible for those facing communication challenges (although no specific criticisms of the proposed name were made).

This part of the consultation attracted the least substantive feedback, overall.