Scottish Government

Tribunals are a central part of the Scottish justice system and play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of the people they serve. 

They hear cases on a range of issues including the compulsory care and treatment of people with mental health disorders;  disputes between tenants and landlords; disputes involving land and property; and cases concerning children and young people with additional support needs.

The following tribunals are administered by the Scottish Tribunals Service (STS):

• The Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland (ASNTS)
• The Lands Tribunal for Scotland (LTS)
• The Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland (MHTS)
• The Pensions Appeal Tribunal Scotland (PATS)
• The Scottish Charity Appeals Panel (SCAP)
• The Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP)
• The Homeowner Housing Panel (HOHP)

STS is a delivery unit of the Scottish Government’s Justice Directorate.  STS staff are civil servants.

A number of UK-wide tribunals operate in Scotland covering matters such as employment, immigration, and social security.  The responsibility for these tribunals rests with HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

The Scottish Committee of the Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council (AJTC) provides oversight of the operation of tribunals in Scotland.  The UK Government intends to abolish the AJTC and its Scottish Committee.  The Scottish Government is currently considering the requirement for a body to build on the work of the Scottish Committee with regard to the Administrative Justice landscape in Scotland after abolition.