Public Inquiries

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Public inquiries are investigations launched by the government in response to major public concerns or controversial policies

Question 2

Statutory Inquiries

Answer 2

Statutory Inquiries were established within S1 of the Inquiries Act 2005 allowing any minister from the UK to cause an inquiry under this act

Should the government refuse an inquiry, they will be subject to judicial review

Required to be held publicly and S.24-25 requires that the minister publish inquiry reports

Question 3

Non-Statutory

Answer 3

• Non-statutory public inquiries are set up outside the Inquiries Act 2005
• Quicker and more responsive
• Chair has no ability to compel witnesses
• Reduced transparency requirements

Question 4

Difference

Answer 4

Non-Statutory :
- Quicker and more responsive
- Chair has no ability to compel witnesses
- Reduced transparency requirements

Statutory :
- Can compel witnesses to provide evidence
- Must be held publicly
- Ministers must publish inquiry reports

Question 5

Effectiveness

Answer 5

• Not binding
• Expensive
• Timely