Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Court Estate: Restoration and Renewal

Tuesday 16 September 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Becky Gittins inquired about the Government's plans to repair and modernise the Prestatyn justice centre and the wider court estate.
  • Cat Smith questioned the Government regarding the ongoing maintenance work and fencing at the Lancaster courthouse since 2019.
  • The Minister offered to provide a detailed timeline for the Lancaster Crown court maintenance and future plans via a written response to Cat Smith.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Becky Gittins Lab Clwyd East
Justice & Courts
Context

The Prestatyn justice centre, which provides essential services to constituents in Clwyd East, has been identified as needing investment due to its deteriorated condition.

Question

Prestatyn justice centre and its hard-working staff provide a vital service to my constituents, but on a recent visit it was clear that the building needs investment. Can the Minister update the House on what the Government are doing to repair and modernise our court estate, and will she look at what can be done to support our facility in Prestatyn?

Answer from Sarah Sackman (Minister of State, Ministry of Justice)

My hon. Friend is right that the Prestatyn justice centre is a valuable facility for her community. We have a number of projects in the pipeline for Wales. Obviously we must prioritise those court buildings that are most in need and where there is most disrepair so that we can bring them back into use, but I am happy for her to write to me about that particular case.

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Q2 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Justice & Courts
Context

The Lancaster courthouse in Cat Smith's constituency has been fenced off since 2019, awaiting maintenance that would make it more presentable.

Question

Since 2019 my constituents in Lancaster have had to look at a ring of steel fencing around the Lancaster courthouse in our city centre as it awaits maintenance work to make it more sightly. The fencing has been there since 2019, so how much longer will my constituents have to wait for this maintenance work?

Answer from Sarah Sackman (Minister of State, Ministry of Justice)

I understand that people in Lancaster have been using the Crown court in nearby Preston, which is a more modern and accessible facility. We are undertaking a consultation about the future of Lancaster Crown court, but I am happy to write to my hon. Friend in more detail about the timeline.

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