Local Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall has repeated his calls for reassurances from ministers to ensure that support is in place for staff at Yate Magistrates court today as the Ministry of Justice announced its response to the UK Courts consultation launched last October.
The Ministry of Justice announced on Thursday that the Yate courts were set for closure alongside Stroud Magistrates. The Government is investing £700 Million in Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal service (HMCTS) with the installation of modern IT equipment aimed at reducing the need for journeys to magistrate’s courts.
In a letter responding to the announcement of the closure, Local MP Luke Hall has again pressed the need with Shailesh Vara MP, Under Secretary of State for Courts, for support to those staff affected by the closure in finding new roles within the service.
Citing the disappointment of the announcement but focusing on the need to support staff at the courts in finding roles either inside the HMCTS or in appropriate alternative sectors the MP urged the Minister to respond so the MP can assist staff.
The latest letter echoes another sent as part of the consultation last October.
Local MP Luke said: “This is of course disappointing for our area and for staff at the Yate Magistrates. I hope that minister will respond confirming that the Ministry of Justice will be robust in supporting those who are affected, with opportunities to continue working for the local courts and tribunal service in Bristol or Bath or other roles as close to home as possible. I for one will be offering to help in every way I can at this difficult time”