Town halls could be used for court cases
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
![Head shot of Andrew Feinberg](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/andrew-feinberg.png)
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Town Halls could be hired out as courts to raise money for councils and increase the speed of justice, local authorities have suggested.
The proposals, which have been submitted to ministers, would ensure minimal disruption for victims, witnesses and police officers, the Local Government Association (LGA) said.
The Ministry of Justice is considering closing up to 103 magistrates' courts and 54 county courts across England and Wales to cut costs.
Mehboob Khan, chairman of the LGA's safer and stronger communities board, said: "Although specialist courts are needed in some cases, in the vast majority of court cases council buildings would be more than adequate."
The LGA said it was concerned that the planned court closures could raise serious issues over the time taken for cases to come to court and for witnesses and victims to attend.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "The consultations are part of the process to review how justice might in the future best be delivered across England and Wales."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments