Regulation 37 Conduct of the hearing – Appeal PanelsI1

Subject to paragraph (2), the Valuation Tribunal’s function of hearing or determining an appeal will be discharged by a panel of three members of the Valuation Tribunal (“an Appeal Panel”) which must include at least one Chairperson; and a Chairperson will preside.

Where all parties to an appeal who appear so agree, the appeal may be decided by two members of an Appeal Panel, and notwithstanding the absence of a Chairperson.

The hearing must take place in public unless the Appeal Panel otherwise orders on being satisfied that it is in the interests of justice to hold a hearing, or part of a hearing, in private.

Where the hearing is to be held in private, the Appeal Panel may determine who is permitted to attend the hearing or part of the hearing.

If the appellant fails to appear at the hearing, the Appeal Panel may dismiss the appeal, and if any other party does not appear the Appeal Panel may hear and determine the appeal in that party’s absence.

The Appeal Panel may require any witness to give evidence under oath or affirmation, and will have power for that purpose to administer an oath or affirmation in due form.

Parties at the hearing may be heard in such order as the Appeal Panel may determine, and may examine any witness before the Appeal Panel and call witnesses.

A hearing may be adjourned for such time, to such place and on such terms (if any) as the Appeal Panel thinks fit; and reasonable notice of the time and place to which the hearing has been adjourned must be given to every party.

If it thinks fit an Appeal Panel may, after notice to the parties inviting them to be present, inspect any dwelling which is the subject of an appeal.

Subject to any provisions of this Part, the Appeal Panel—