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<p>Of the court buildings that have closed since 2010, 158 have been sold and 15 remain
unsold. HMCTS courts buildings are sold as quickly as possible while ensuring fair
value for the taxpayer. A total of £231.7m has been raised from sales (<em>as at 31
December 2018)</em> Information regarding the cost to the public purse of maintaining
unsold court premises could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.</p><p> </p><p>The
closure of any court is not taken lightly – it only happens following full public
consultation. We have been clear that courts are only being closed where they are
underused, dilapidated or too close to one another.</p><p> </p><p>This government
is investing over £1 billion to reform and modernise the justice system, providing
easier and more efficient justice for all.</p><p> </p><p>As we increase the use of
digital services, it makes sense to consider the wider role and need for court buildings
and assess whether some are still necessary to provide effective access to justice.</p><p>
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