Commentary on Sections Appeal to adjudicator Section 81 and Schedule 4: Adjudicators
216.Section 81 sets out the criteria for the appointment of adjudicators by the Lord Chancellor and for functions to be assigned to the Chief Adjudicator, Deputy Chief Adjudicator, Regional Adjudicators and Deputy Regional Adjudicators. Subsection (1) requires the Lord Chancellor to appoint adjudicators to hear appeals under Part 5 of the Act. Subsection (2) states the qualifications or experience necessary for appointment. Subsection (3) requires the Lord Chancellor to appoint a Chief Adjudicator, and enables him to appoint a Deputy Chief Adjudicator, one or more Regional Adjudicators and one or more Deputy Regional Adjudicators. Subsection (4) requires the Chief Adjudicator to carry out such functions as the Lord Chancellor may assign. Subsection (5) sets out the duties of the Deputy Chief Adjudicator. Subsection (6) sets out that Regional Adjudicators shall perform such functions as are assigned to them by the Chief Adjudicator. Subsection (7) sets out the duties of a Deputy Regional Adjudicator. Subsection (8) provides for Schedule 4 to have effect.
217.Schedule 4 makes provision on the terms of office of, proceedings before, and payment arrangements for, adjudicators and their support staff. Paragraph 1 deals with the terms of office for adjudicators. Paragraph 2 requires the Chief Adjudicator to arrange for adjudicators to hear appeals and specifies that these must take place when and where the Lord Chancellor determines. Paragraph 3 enables the Chief Adjudicator to determine that a panel consisting of more than one adjudicator may deal with a particular appeal or category of appeal or appeal-related proceedings. Paragraph 4 requires adjudicators to carry out duties allocated by the Chief Adjudicator.
218.Paragraph 5 of Schedule 4 enables the Lord Chancellor to appoint staff to support adjudicators. Paragraph 6 relates to the remuneration, allowances and expenses of adjudicators and their staff. Paragraph 7 concerns payment of compensation on ceasing to be an adjudicator in special circumstances.