163Conduct of a Councillor Conduct Panel

163 Conduct of a Councillor Conduct Panel (1) A Councillor Conduct Panel must not make a determination under section 167 until it has conducted a hearing. (2) The following applies to a hearing of a Councillor Conduct Panel— (a) the proceedings must be conducted with as little formality and technicality as the requirements of this Act and the proper consideration of the matter permit; (b) there is no right to representation at the hearing except if the Councillor Conduct Panel considers that a party requires representation to ensure that the hearing is conducted fairly; (c) the proceedings must not be open to the public; (d) if the hearing is based on an application made by a Council or a group of Councillors, the appointed representative must represent the Council or group of Councillors at the hearing; (e) the Councillor Conduct Panel is not bound by rules of evidence but may inform itself in any way it thinks fit; (f) the Councillor Conduct Panel is bound by the rules of natural justice; (g) the procedure of a Councillor Conduct Panel is otherwise in its discretion. S. 163(3) amended by No. 23/2024 s. 65. (3) At the hearing of an application, the Councillor Conduct Panel must provide the applicant and the respondent with an opportunity to be heard.