HC Deb 08 November 2000 vol 356 cc283-4W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the total cost was of judges' lodgings for each of the last three years; what was(a) the average cost and (b) the highest cost per night of occupancy of lodgings for each of the last three years; what plans he has to review the cost of judges' lodgings; what recent representations he has received from members of the judiciary concerning lodgings; and if he will make a statement. [134334]

Jane Kennedy

The total cost of running the judges' lodgings in each of the last three years was:

£
1997–98 4,776,680
1998–99 5,232,957
1999–2000 4,785,683

For completeness, the average and highest cost per night of occupancy of lodgings by the judge and his or her clerk, inclusive of travel between the lodgings and the court, is set out as follows on three bases:

Total cost figures
£
Highest Average (mean)
1997–98 2,550 967
1998–99 2,375 919
1999–2000 2,030 901

Total cost of lodgings less, for freehold properties, the Treasury capital charge
£
Highest Average (mean)
1997–98 2,550 918
1998–99 2,107 838
1999–2000 2,030 818

Only those costs immediately attributable to judicial occupation
£
Highest Average (mean)
1997–98 815.27 380.70
1998–99 646.81 368.36
1999–2000 677.94 357.34

An internal review of judges' lodgings is taking place which will: review the current location of lodgings, bearing in mind their degree of use and the maximum acceptable travelling times to the court centres they serve; compare the value for money provided by lodgings (including past and future capital, running, incidental and opportunity costs) with alternative forms of accommodation providing appropriate standards of security, privacy and comfort; and make recommendations concerning the most cost-effective means of managing and staffing lodgings.

The Lord Chancellor has already begun consultation with the judiciary on the review. When the Lord Chancellor makes his decisions, which will be as soon as possible, he will publish them along with the review.

No recent representations have been received from members of the judiciary about lodgings.

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