List of public inquiries in the United Kingdom

Only United Kingdom government ministers can establish public inquiries, set their terms of reference, and appoint the chair.

Statutory public inquiries are led by a panel of professional people with a chairperson, who are often judges,[5] or a lord, professor, senior civil servant, scientist, doctor or engineer.

[11] Royal commissions were used so that the monarch could obtain advice and inquire into matters and misconduct outside of institutions, such as parliament.

[11] The first royal commission goes back to William the Conqueror in the 11th century, when he nominated an inquiry to produce the Domesday Book of land ownership.

[11] Royal commissions were later appointed by governments to obtain expert advice on subjects such as health, education, labour reform, public administration, welfare and factory legislation.

[17] Inquiries are usually held in local planning authority offices, village halls or community centres.