Court closures will damage economy, says council chief

PLANS to close hundreds of courts will damage both justice and local economies, a West Yorkshire council leader said today.

Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire, warned that the need to cut costs should not come at the expense of justice and to the detriment of local towns.

In his response to the Government's consultation on plans to close 103 magistrates' and 54 county courts across the county, Mr Khan said: "What sounds simple on paper may lead to greater inefficiencies in practice with the result being more expensive and less effective justice."

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The plans to close Dewsbury Magistrates' Court, which has seen high-profile cases including that of the Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and the kidnap of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews, should be reconsidered, Mr Khan said.

"This proposal damages justice and damages the Dewsbury economy as everyone involved moves out to Huddersfield," he said.

"There will be a knock-on effect for Dewsbury's economy as court staff will spend their money elsewhere.

"If local cases are moved even further afield, such as Wakefield, Bradford or even Leeds, the effects will be even greater."

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The Labour councillor added: "Everyone in the public sector is well aware of the need to cut costs but this should not be at the expense of justice and to the detriment of local towns.

"Delivery of justice and public confidence in the legal and courts process should be at the heart of this argument rather than the merits of whether the buildings themselves are usable or require investment."

The move would result in defendants from North Kirklees having to travel seven to 10 miles to the court and failure to appear, or arriving late, would have a negative impact on the running of the courts, he said.

The transportation of prisoners from Dewsbury Police Station would become more costly, as would travel for witnesses and families of those involved in cases, he added.

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Extra pressure on the court in Huddersfield could also lead to problems, he said.

A Courts Service spokeswoman said: "We have a responsibility to ensure that we have an effective and efficient court service to deliver justice.

"Spending money to keep under-used and unsuitable courts open where there is no business need is not fair to taxpayers or to users of the court if it means they will receive an inferior service.

"The number and location of courts must reflect changes in population, transport and communication links and meet the expectation of our 21st century communities.

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"The Lord Chancellor is keen to hear the views of everyone with an interest in local justice arrangements. He will take all views into account before making any decision on which courts ought to be closed and when."