The obligation to deliver a report

A public inquiry operating under the Inquiries Act 2005 is bound to deliver a report to the Minister, under section 24(1) of the Act. Where the public inquiry has been brought to an end under section 14 of the Act it may still deliver a report, pursuant to section 24(2).

A public inquiry which is not operating under the Inquiries Act 2005 is likely to be a public body, susceptible to judicial review, and would no doubt be required by the High Court to deliver a report within a reasonable time even in the absence of a statutory requirement.