25Council or commissions may determine costs in certain circumstances

25 Council or commissions may determine costs in certain circumstances

(1)  The council or a commission, in its discretion, may award costs to the relevant judicial officer in respect of a complaint if –

(a) the complaint is dismissed, other than under section 29 ; or

(b) the complaint is referred to the relevant head of jurisdiction under section 37 ; or

(c) the council or commission considers the awarding of costs to the judicial officer, and the amount of the costs to be awarded, to be reasonable in the circumstances.

(2)  An award of costs under subsection (1) is to be in accordance with any guidelines made under section 7(2) .

(3)  The council may –

(a) determine the amount of the following costs and allowances that may be payable to a person who appears before the council, or a commission, as a witness:

(i) the legal costs incurred by the person as a witness;

(ii) an allowance for meals;

(iii) an allowance for travelling;

(iv) an allowance for accommodation; and

(b) make guidelines under section 7(2) as to the circumstances under which such costs and allowances may be paid to such a witness.

(4)  After considering any relevant guidelines made under section 7(2) , the council, or a commission, in its discretion may award the witness a cost or allowance determined under subsection (3)(a) .

(5)  Costs awarded under this section are to be taxed by a taxing officer of the Supreme Court.