§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will reimburse actual lost pay of lay magistrates, rather than a sum based on average earnings; and if he will make a statement. [84723]
§ Yvette CooperThe Financial Loss Allowance is based on average earnings and is paid from cash limited budgets of the Magistrates' Courts Committees allocated from public funds granted by my Department with the concurrence of Her Majesty's Treasury. This method is considered the most equitable way of striking a balance to cover the differing trades and professions within the magistracy.
§ Mark TamiTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what training and support is given to individuals taking up magistrates posts. [84587]
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§ Yvette CooperTraining of magistrates is the responsibility of Magistrates Courts Committees (MCCs) who are required to work within a framework approved by the Lord Chancellor. Under the Magistrates National Training Initiative, the Lord Chancellor requires MCCs to follow the training syllabus produced by the Judicial Studies Board.
The JSB syllabus requires newly appointed magistrates to attend a series of training sessions covering the essential aspects of magisterial work including 'The Obligations of the Judicial Oath', 'Bail', 'Mode of Trial', 'Evaluation of Evidence', 'Verdict and Sentencing'. It is also expected that magistrates make at least one visit to a local court and to a penal institution.
A newly appointed magistrate is supported during his or her first two years of sitting by an experienced and trained magistrate acting as a mentor.