§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what guidance he gives to magistrates' court committees on the procedures they are required to follow before deciding to close courts under their jurisdiction. [45767]
§ Mr. HoonNone. Section 56(1) of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 requires only that the magistrates' courts committee consult with the paying authority or authorities before it determines to close a courthouse. However, the Central Council of Magistrates' Courts Committees plans to issue guidance on this area, which my Department considers represents good practice.
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§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria he takes into account in determining an appeal under section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 against the proposed closure of magistrates' courts. [45771]
§ Mr. HoonThere are no statutory criteria. Every appeal is dealt with on its merits and much depends on the grounds of the particular appeal lodged.
Typical grounds which are common to many appeals are: accessibility for all court users; the provision of modern facilities, for example facilities for disabled people, security arrangements for violent offenders, separate waiting areas for defendants and witnesses; the costs of necessary renovations to bring the court up to a modern standard; the time and travel distances for court users and the cost of that travel; the provision of courtrooms in the area; and overall efficiency.