The Bar Council responds to the National Audit Office report 'Transforming courts and tribunals: a progress update'
The Bar Council responds to the National Audit Office report 'Transforming courts and tribunals: a progress update' on HM Courts and Tribunal Service’s (HMCTS).
Responding to today’s National Audit Office report Transforming courts and tribunals: a progress update on HM Courts and Tribunal Service’s (HMCTS) courts modernisation programme, Richard Atkins QC, Chair of the Bar Council, said:
“HMCTS’ Court reform programme has once again come under critical examination by the National Audit Office and once again it has been found wanting. Whilst the Bar Council is relieved to see that the planned court closures have been scaled back, we have previously expressed considerable concern about the lack of access to justice for people who find that they live many miles from their nearest court, and we remain concerned over the future.
“HMCTS clearly needs to look very carefully at its modernisation programme. Whilst the aims are laudable, HMCTS must ensure that it does not put justice beyond the reach of many, or that costs rise and negate any supposed benefits from the proposed court closures. This modernisation programme must not become the HS2 of the justice system.”
The Bar Council represents barristers in England and Wales (over 16,000). It promotes:
- The Bar's high-quality specialist advocacy and advisory services
- Fair access to justice for all
- The highest standards of ethics, equality and diversity across the profession, and
- The development of business opportunities for barristers at home and abroad.
For further information please contact the Bar Council Press Office on 020 7611 1429 and Press@BarCouncil.org.uk
