Public Inquiry Efficiency
Scottish Ministers should undertake a review of public inquiries to determine the most cost-effective method of avoiding delay in the establishment of an inquiry, including consideration of establishing a dedicated unit within the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and publishing regularly updated guidance for people involved in the establishment and progress of public inquiries.
- In November 2025, the Scottish Government published "Public inquiries: guidance for Ministers and officials", providing guidance on whether an inquiry should be established, covering statutory and non-statutory options, independence requirements, cost and timing considerations, powers available, interaction with parallel investigations, ECHR obligations, and alternative mechanisms (Public inquiries: guidance for Ministers and officials, Scottish Government, 24 November 2025).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe Scottish Government stated that guidance similar to that suggested is already in development for the efficient establishment of inquiries and has been shared with recent inquiries. Source: Transport Secretary Statement, 2 November 2023.
Progress Timeline
Initial status based on Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council responses to the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report (September 2023).