Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding the proposed changes to the Court arrangements in Halton. The Council had been formally told of these changes in a letter received from the Area Manager, Her Majesty’s Courts Service, on 31^st October 2006.

The principal changes were outlined within the report for the Board’s information. Although the Council had effectively been told that these new arrangements were being put in place, the Chief Executive had written to make representations about the detrimental effect they would have on the administration of justice within Halton, essentially relating to accessibility, cost, attracting new magistrates and the long-term future of the Courts in Halton.

The Chief Executive reported that, as a representative of the Cheshire Local Authority Chief Executives on the Criminal Justice Board, he had raised these concerns at a recent meeting and had been supported by representatives of Cheshire Magistrates, in particular with regard to the decision-making process and the lack of consultation. As a result of this meeting, Judge Elgin Edwards, the Court Service, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Police had agreed to come to a meeting to explain the rationale for the decision made and provide an opportunity for questions. This meeting was scheduled for 6^th December 2006.

Invitations had been sent to the Chairs of each of the Benches of Cheshire Magistrates, the Cheshire Chief Executives and Cheshire Authority Leaders for this meeting, which was to be held at Halton Stadium. However, in the interim, it had been assured that

(1)       the changes would  not result in the closure of courts in Halton; and

(2)       the arrangements would be kept under review so that if the difficulties that had led to the decision were not resolved an alternative would be sought.

Members of the Board expressed their discontent at the lack of consultation and the impact that this would have on the residents of Halton.

In addition, it was advised that the Authority had been notified that the Courts were to change the way private prosecutions were administered. This would mean that Court time availability for the Council would be reduced from a weekly to a fortnightly slot.

RESOLVED: That

(1)       the Council expresses its concern and disappointment that Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS) has asked for the Council’s views after its decision appears to have been made and seeks further clarification in relation to the points raised within the report;

(2)       the action of the Chief Executive in expressing the Council’s concerns be endorsed;

(3)       HMCS be asked to reconsider its decision in the light of the concerns of the Council and other stakeholders;

(4)       HMCS be asked to work with the local bench and other stakeholders to thoroughly examine other options to improving the performance of the Court Service in Halton, including looking at the alternate use of Courts in Halton and Warrington; and

(5)       HMCS be requested to consider Halton as the location for the hearing of road traffic cases given the road and public transport infrastructure in and around the Borough.