Magistrates Courts 2023-09-12
2023-09-12
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the conditions in some magistrates courts, affecting user experience.
What recent assessment has been made of conditions at magistrates courts?
We have assessed the need to improve conditions in some magistrates courts. We are boosting capital investment by £220 million over the next two years to March 2025, focusing on enhancing court resilience and accessibility for frontline justice system users.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Many older and disabled individuals face significant physical barriers when trying to access magistrates courts. The former police and crime commissioner used the term “not fit for purpose” to describe the situation.
Do we not need more swift action than outlined by the Minister to remedy the problem of physical access to justice for older and disabled people through magistrates courts?
We are addressing this issue by making reasonable adjustments where possible and prioritising substantial investment to make courts compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. We continue working on modernising new court buildings such as those in Blackpool and the City of London.
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