Court closures 'will widen inequalities'
A decision to close magistrates courts in Sandwell and Stafford has been criticised by a representative body for solicitors, which has said it will 'serve to deepen the inequalities in the justice system'.
Responding to the government's announcement that 86 courts will close in England and Wales, Law Society president Jonathan Smithers released a statement voicing his disappointment and concern for the future.
The Oldbury court is one of the 86 which will be axed to save money.
MORE: Decision to close Sandwell Magistrates Court 'outrageous'
MORE: Stafford Magistrates' Court to close under cuts
Stafford Magistrates' Court will also shut between October and December this year, with hearings transferred to Cannock.
Mr Smithers said: "We are disappointed the government is pressing ahead with the closure of so many courts.
"The majority of these will make it more difficult for a significant number of people to get to court, disproportionately affecting people living in rural areas, those with disabilities and lower income families.
"Combined with increases in court fees and reductions in legal aid eligibility, many of the closures will serve to deepen the inequalities in the justice system between those who can and cannot afford to pay.
"We welcome five of the closures will not be going ahead and acknowledge the government intends to make changes to its proposals for 22 courts.
"No matter who you are, no matter where you live, everyone in England and Wales must be able to access legal advice and the justice system."
Justice Minister Shailesh Vara said the upkeep of courts such as Sandwell and Stafford had become too expensive.
The MP said: "Our courts and tribunal system is in need of urgent reform.
"Maintaining our underused and dilapidated court buildings costs the taxpayer £500 million a year but some courts sit for less than half the time available.
"This is simply unsustainable.
"The decision to close a court is never taken lightly, but in the digital age I am confident we have measures in place to ensure access to justice is not diminished."
Birmingham Youth Court and Solihull Magistrates Court will also shut.
It means victims of crime and their families, witnesses and defendants will now have to travel to Walsall to hear cases.
