Courts Three-tier Covid Levels 2020-11-03
2020-11-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The justice system in Wales has faced significant challenges due to the firebreak lockdown, leading to operational difficulties.
What assessment he has made of the effect of the Government's three-tier local covid-19 alert levels on the operation of the courts. In firebreak Wales, the justice system has had to operate under really difficult circumstances lately, and I pay credit to those who have worked so hard to adapt.
Cases that are prioritised are decided by judges, and urgent cases such as domestic violence protection orders are being listed at the earliest possible opportunity. The most serious cases with vulnerable victims are also being given priority. HMCTS staff and the judiciary have been keeping courts running in difficult circumstances.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific prioritisation of hearings for serious crimes was not explicitly committed to, only generally acknowledged
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Figures from the chief constable of Gwent indicate significant delays in first hearings and a 57% increase in witnesses being supported locally, suggesting operational difficulties.
In firebreak Wales, the justice system has had to operate under really difficult circumstances lately, and I pay credit to those who have worked so hard to adapt. However, figures shared with me by the chief constable in Gwent point to significant delays in first hearings and a 57% increase in witnesses being supported locally. To help deal with this, will the Government prioritise hearings for the most serious crimes before they get lost in another backlog?
Cases that are prioritised are decided by judges, and urgent cases such as domestic violence protection orders are being listed at the earliest possible opportunity. The most serious cases with vulnerable victims are also being given priority. HMCTS staff and the judiciary have been keeping courts running in difficult circumstances.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific prioritisation of hearings for serious crimes was not explicitly committed to, only generally acknowledged
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Outbreaks of covid have been reported despite assurances that everything possible is being done to keep courts safe. The Government has faced fines from the HSE for failures at Westminster magistrates court.
In recent times we have seen outbreaks of covid in different courts around the country, despite the claims and answers to my parliamentary questions that everything possible is being done to keep them safe. The Government have been found out and hit with fines by the Health and Safety Executive for what can only be described as a catalogue of failures at Westminster magistrates court, including risk assessment found not to be suitable and sufficient. Then there were issues with social distancing, staff training and management arrangements. Can the Minister put his hand on his heart and honestly say that other courts would not fail the HSE test?
A huge amount of work has happened over the past six months to risk-assess different courts, working with Public Health England and Wales, and talking to union representatives. Perspex screens are installed, jury retiring rooms are provided, and there is frequent cleaning in every courtroom.
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Assessment & feedback
Agreement to work specifically with staff representatives was not given
Response accuracy