This section deals with appeals against substantive decisions of the Press Ombudsman, and appeals against decisions of the Press Council after a complaint has been referred directly to it by the Press Ombudsman. 

Either party can appeal a substantive decision of the Press Ombudsman, or a decision of a sub-committee of the Press Council when the Press Ombudsman has exercised his power to refer a complaint directly to the Press Council for its consideration. 

Appeals are considered only on one or more of the following grounds: 

(a)   that there has been an error in procedure; 

(b)  that significant new information is available that could not have been or was not made available before the decision was made by the Press Ombudsman/Press Council sub-committee;

(c)   that there has been an error in the application of the Code of Practice by the Press Ombudsman/Press Council sub-committee. 

Appellants should state the grounds for their appeal, and should support it by any evidence they believe to be appropriate and relevant. Mere disagreement with the decision is not grounds for appeal.

The procedures for consideration of appeals by the Press Council do not provide for oral hearings. 

Copies of appeals are furnished to the other party for their observations, and any such observations will be included in the Council’s consideration of the appeal.