England: Modernisation of courts to result in 6,500 job losses by 2022

The UK government launched a £1 billion programme to introduce online pleas and remote video hearings in 2016, with details emerging from a consultation circulated by the senior judiciary yesterday.

Justice Secretary David Gauke recently appointed Tim Parker, formerly of the AA and Kwik-Fit, as chair of the board. Mr Parker was once dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” by trade union chiefs after he drove to a factory in his Porsche to announce job losses.

Under the new system, there will more remote video hearings, online pleas and video replay facilities for jurors – but fewer physical courtrooms.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon, says in the foreword to the consultation: “These reforms will deliver savings – a necessary condition for securing the financial support of the government – but they will transform the way we operate the system of justice for the benefit of the public and enhance the administration of justice.

“Our approach to this modernisation must be rooted in our shared commitment and dedication to improving the administration of justice and access to justice so that we continue to uphold the rule of law.”

The documents also contain concerns from other judges about disrepair in the courts and a lack of funding.

Sir Brian Leveson, head of criminal justice in the courts, writes: “I appreciate that first thoughts will challenge the reduction of public funding in many different parts of the system but we have to persuade the government that, consistent with our fervent belief in access to justice and in the maintenance of excellence, we have done all that we can to be as efficient as possible.”

An HMCTS spokesperson said: “We are investing over £1bn to modernise the justice system – making it more convenient, easier to use, and providing better value for the taxpayer.

“As we increase the use of digital services, it makes sense to consider the role for court buildings and assess whether some are still necessary to provide effective access to justice.

“Since April 2016 we have raised £115m from the sale of underused court buildings – over £34m more than forecast, and every penny of this will be reinvested as part of our modernisation plans.”