They tend to be less expensive, and less formal, than courts of law. Some tribunals settle disputes between private citizens. Industrial tribunals, for example, play a major role in employment disputes. Others, such as those concerned with social security, resolve claims by private citizens against public authorities. A further group, including tax tribunals, decide disputed claims by public authorities against private citizens.
Tribunals usually consist of an uneven number of people so that a majority decision can be reached.
In many cases there is a right of appeal to a higher tribunal and, usually, to the courts. Tribunals do not normally employ staff or spend money themselves, but their expenses are paid by the government departments concerned. An independent Council on Tribunals exercises general supervision over many tribunals. The Cabinet Government Depts.