The Lands Tribunal settles the amount of compensation to be paid when disputes arise following the compulsory acquisition of land by government departments and local authorities. It also hears appeals concerning the valuation of premises for rating purposes.
The Tribunal has a President who is a person who has held high judicial office or is a barrister of at least seven years’ standing, and other members who are either senior barristers of solicitors or persons experienced in the valuation of land. Any one member of the Tribunal may exercise its jurisdiction.
The Tribunal normally sits in public, and there is a right of audience and legal representation. The Tribunal gives reasoned decisions, and either party may state a case for consideration by the Court of Appeal. Legal aid is available in respect of proceedings in the Lands Tribunal.

Rent tribunals were established by the Furnished Houses (Rent Control) Act 1946 to determine fair rents as between landlord and tenant for furnished accommodation. Their procedure is now governed by the Rent Act 1977. The members are appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment and the proceedings are less formal than those in an ordinary court. Oral evidence is given by the parties, who may be represented by solicitor or counsel, and the tribunal, after hearing the evidence, may reduce a rent which it considers to be excessive. It also has power to give tenants security of tenure for a limited period.
Until 1958 rent tribunals did not give reasons for their decisions, and there was no right of appeal. Now, however, an appeal on a point of law lies in some cases to the High Court, and the High Court has a right to intervene in any case where the tribunal exceeds its jurisdiction or does not act in accordance with the rules of natural justice.
The county courts administer the Rent Restriction Acts which govern the rents of unfurnished accommodation.

See also:
Tribunals