Appointing permanent tribunal chair 'could save taxpayer money'

Almost £160,000 spent on ad hoc chairs and lay members in 2021-22

The cost of tribunals to the taxpayer would be reduced if a permanent chair was appointed.

That's the finding of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee, which has been looking into the cost of chairing tribunal proceedings.

In July last year, the committee decided to look into whether tribunals should be overseen by a permanent judicial officer.

In the 2021-22 financial year, the expenses of ad hoc chairs and lay members cost almost £160,000 to oversee 83 cases.

First Deemster Andrew Corlett previously told the committee the tribunal system is now a 'very significant part' of the Island's justice framework, adding that an increase in workload would require further investment and probably the recruitment of a permanent chair - sentiments that were shared by the General Registry and Department of Home Affairs.

However, the Appointments Commission did raise concerns, stating a single permanent judicial officer could be seen as lacking the independence from government and its departments.'

In a report submitted to Tynwald, the committee says it believes the cost to the taxpayer could be reduced by removing the ad hoc chair.

The report includes a recommendation seeking Tynwald support for the appointment of a permanent chair.

The report will be laid before the court at the June sitting.