§ Helen JonesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Warrington, North constituency, the effects on Warrington, North of her Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [152320]
§ Jane KennedyThe Lord Chancellor's Department is responsible for the administration of the courts and for legal services. We have taken steps to improve the management and effectiveness of the services we provide and to meet customer needs, including working closely with other agencies to provide a fair, swift and effective 211W system of justice, improve the availability of affordable and good quality legal services and to improve the lives of children and help build and sustain strong families.
In particular, the Warrington, North constituency is covered by the Warrington Community Legal Service Partnership (CLSP). This has recently formed its Executive and met initially on 8 February 2001. There are currently 165 CLSPs throughout England and Wales.
Across Warrington Borough Council, 15 agencies (13 solicitors, one Law Centre and one District CAB) have been awarded contracts with the Community Legal Services (CLS). The suppliers are located mainly in the centre of Warrington and this includes Warrington, North wards. The total 12-month value of contracts awarded amounts to over £249,000, and these cover categories including primarily family, but also debt, housing and welfare benefits.