Access to Justice 2020-11-03
2020-11-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about ensuring individuals can access the justice system effectively.
What steps he is taking to help ensure access to justice. Court users deserve protection from covid while accessing justice, yet there have been numerous outbreaks at courts and tribunals.
Access to justice is a fundamental right and the Government are committed to ensuring timely support. In 2018-19, £1.7 billion was spent on legal aid. Measures include additional Saturday court sittings, funding for not-for-profit providers, and remote hearings.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's concern about risk assessments was not directly addressed.
Acknowledged Access To Justice Is Important
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes legal aid firms urgently need financial support during the second national lockdown.
Will the Government announce new measures to support legal aid lawyers over the second national lockdown?
Legal aid lawyers do a magnificent job. The Government have rolled out furlough and other supports. Courts continue to operate, with magistrates courts handling more cases than received.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for new measures was not directly addressed.
Acknowledged Support Through Furlough
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the halving of police community support officers in Cambridgeshire during a time when they are needed for covid compliance.
Will the Minister join me in condemning those cuts and demanding that they be withdrawn?
Grateful for the question, but welcomes the fact that this Government are recruiting an additional 20,000 police officers who will crack down on crime.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask to condemn and withdraw cuts was not addressed.
Shifted Focus To Recruitment Of New Officers
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes alarming number of outbreaks at courts and tribunals, questioning the lack of proper consultation with staff union over risk assessments.
Does the Minister agree that by failing to consult properly with the Public and Commercial Services Union, the courts service risks making a bad situation worse?
Pays tribute to HMCTS staff for keeping courts running in difficult circumstances. Staff have ensured proper social distancing measures are in place.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about risk assessments was not addressed.
Shifted Focus To Praise Of Staff Efforts
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the justice gap for those not eligible for legal aid, with 94% of working single parents already facing difficult choices.
What is the Minister going to do to ensure that the rights that we hold dear actually exist in practice?
Agrees ensuring access to justice is fundamental. Provided funding for law centres during the pandemic, reassuring them about continued work.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding legal aid eligibility was not directly addressed.
Acknowledged Importance Of Access To Justice
Response accuracy