Sheriff Appeal Court Fees Order 2015 (SSI 2015/379)
The next item is consideration of four negative Scottish statutory instruments. The first sets out those persons who are exempt from paying fees and specific fees exemptions relating to particular proceedings. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee did not draw to our attention any concerns on the order.
As members have no comments, are you content to make no recommendation in relation to the order?
Members indicated agreement.
The Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2015 (SSI 2015/380)
The regulations adapt the framework and arrangements in existing legal aid regulations to accommodate the changes that will come into force in January 2016 relating to civil proceedings in the new Sheriff Appeal Court.
Again, the DPLR Committee did not draw any concerns to our attention. Members will see from their papers that we had a couple of written submissions on the regulations. We also have a late submission from the Faculty of Advocates, which has been tabled.
Do members have any comments on the regulations?
I refer to my registered interest as a member of the Faculty of Advocates. I find the timescale a wee bit concerning, although I do not understand it fully. The faculty’s point is that the regulations that are before us now for consideration are not the regulations that it saw previously. The Government’s comment on the matter is dated the beginning of November. From my understanding, the timetable is very unfortunate.
Well, I think it is very unfortunate for the faculty as well, as it should pay more attention to what we are doing. It is not without sufficient legal brains to come back to the committee sooner rather than later. Therefore, I am moving on. That is on the record now, and I think that members are content to leave it at that.
Members indicated agreement.
Are members content to make no recommendation in relation to the regulations?
Members indicated agreement.
Scottish Tribunals (Eligibility for Appointment) Regulations 2015 (SSI 2015/381)
The regulations create eligibility criteria for ordinary and legal members of the first-tier tribunal and legal members of the upper tribunal. Again, the DPLR Committee did not draw any concerns to our attention.
As members have no comments, are you content to make no recommendation on the regulations?
Members indicated agreement.
Act of Sederunt (Fees of Solicitors in the Sheriff Appeal Court) 2015 (SSI 2015/387)
The act of sederunt regulates the taxation of accounts of expenses between parties in relation to proceedings in the Sheriff Appeal Court. Again, the DPLR Committee did not draw any concerns to our attention.
As members have no comments, are you content to make no recommendation in relation to the instrument?
Members indicated agreement.
We now move into private session.
12:40 Meeting continued in private until 12:53.