Explanatory note

These Rules amend the Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Northern Ireland) Rules 1981 to provide for a new route of appeal from the Pensions Appeal Tribunal to the Social Security Commissioners, who for these purposes are to be known as Pensions Appeal Commissioners.

Rules 3 and 4 provide for new definitions consequential on the amendments to the 1981 Rules.

Rule 5 provides for a notice of the decision to be sent to the parties by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal and for applications for a statement of reasons for the decision.

Rule 6 provides a new procedure for recording and preserving decisions of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

Rule 7 provides the procedure for dealing with applications for leave to appeal.

Rule 8 revokes expenses provisions relevant to the previous route of appeal.

Rule 9 makes a consequential amendment.

Rule 10 prescribes circumstances where an extension of a time limit under the Rules may be granted.