How Long Do Public Inquires Take?

A simple enough question with no definitive answer. The reality is that public inquiries can take anywhere from a few months to more than a decade depending on the complexity of the subject, the scope of the investigation and a variety of other important factors.

At Aamer Anwar & Co, we have worked, and continue to work, on some of the most high-profile public inquiries in the UK, and are fully committed to fighting for justice, no matter how long it may take.

How long do public inquiries ‘normally’ last?

The majority of public inquiries last between 6 months and 2 years, although these tend to be investigations into more ‘straightforward’ issues.

More complex and high-profile inquiries can easily stretch into the 2-5 year range and the most complex can exceed 5 or even 10 years if new evidence emerges during that time.

Resource allocation, scope, expert availability, the number of interested parties and the actions of key stakeholders such as legal representations, organisations, and individuals are ALL key factors in determining the length of time each public inquiry takes.

What is the longest public inquiry ever in the UK?

In the UK, the longest public inquiry ever was the Hyponatraemia inquiry, first announced in 2004 following a TV documentary examining the death of three children in Northern Ireland Hospitals.

Investigating the circumstances behind the death of five children at Royal Belfast Hospital (RBHSC) for Sick Children between 1995 and 2003, linked to low sodium levels in their blood, the inquiry took over 13 years to complete, with a damning report published in January 2018.

The report found that four of the five deaths were avoidable and was heavily critical of the “self-regulating and unmonitored” health service responsible.

What is the shortest public inquiry ever in the UK?

The Hammond Inquiry is the shortest public inquiry ever conducted in the UK, lasting just 45 days in Early 2001 and investigating the circumstances surrounding the granting of British Citizenship to the Hinduja brothers.

The Hammond inquiry, carried out by Sir Anthony Hammond QC, was ordered by then Prime Minister Tony Blair and focussed upon allegations that Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson expediated the citizenship applications of businessmen Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja after significant donations to Millennium Dome project.

The inquiry concluded that no evidence of direct wrongdoing could be found, although there were questions surrounding the Mandelson’s cooperation with the inquiry and he resigned from the Government as a result of the controversy.

Legal Advice for Interested Parties

Public inquires are an essential part of the UK’s justice system and it is essential that interested parties and those affected either directly or indirectly by the inquiry seek expert legal advice to ensure that justice is served.

Aamer Anwar & Co. specialise in Public Inquiries and Investigations and are driven by a desire to hold all those in power to account for their actions.

For more information or to arrange a consultation, get in touch with our expert team today.