Lady Paton

Writing in the foreword to its annual report for 2020, chairperson Lady Paton said the Commission’s publications over the course of the year “were affected by the pandemic and by lockdown restrictions”.

Its publications last year included its 2019 annual report, a joint report with the Law Commission of England and Wales (LCEW) on electoral law, a discussion paper on cohabitation, and a joint consultation paper with the LCEW on automated vehicles.

However, the Commission did not publish a promised discussion paper on damages for personal injury or a discussion paper on the mental element of homicide, both of which were expected in 2020 and will now be published this year.

Its other planned publications this year include a report and draft bill on cohabitation, a second discussion paper on default and post-default issues around heritable securities. A report and draft bill on aspects of leases is due early in 2022.

A final joint report with the LCEW on automated vehicles is also expected by the end of 2021.

Lady Paton said: “The year 2020 made unprecedented demands, both professional and personal, affecting everyone. My thanks are due to the Commissioners and to all the staff at the Commission for their unswerving commitment, hard work, and versatility in very difficult circumstances.”