Chapter 6: Leasehold valuation tribunals
43.This Chapter consolidates existing provisions covering the procedures and jurisdiction of LVTs and makes a number of changes. It provides that in all cases permission to appeal to the Lands Tribunal against a decision of a LVT must be sought; from the LVT in the first instance and, if they refuse, from the Lands Tribunal. It removes the requirement that at least one member of the tribunal shall be a qualified valuer. It provides a power to make regulations which would enable LVTs to exclude the whole or parts of cases of parties who fail to comply with directions and to award costs up to £500, or any higher amount which may be prescribed, against a party who has acted frivolously, vexatiously, abusively, disruptively or otherwise unreasonably. It further provides that where a case involves an appeal against a decision made by a LVT the Lands Tribunal cannot make an award of costs against a party to proceedings unless that party has acted frivolously, vexatiously, abusively, disruptively or otherwise unreasonably in relation to the appeal. The costs will be limited to £500 or such other amount as may be specified in regulations.
