Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consultations have taken place about the decision that only trials will be heard at Newcastle Magistrates Court, with domestic violence and weekday remands being heard at Bedlington Magistrates Court, some road traffic accident cases at Gateshead Magistrates Court, and all other new cases being heard at North Shields Magistrates Court; what consideration has been given to the cost and time impact on parties, witnesses and legal representatives of relocating hearings between those four courts; and what is the estimated saving to HM Courts and Tribunal service of the changes in venue.
Answered on
21 December 2016
No decision has been made to alter the current listing patterns in Northumbria. The Northumbria Judicial Business Group will consider proposals for changes at their next meeting on 5th January 2017 following which there will be full engagement and consultation with local practitioners in respect of any proposed changes and their impact on court users.