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<p /> <p>The Court Estate Reform Programme (CERP) was introduced in 2010 to improve
efficiency through the closure of poor quality and underused court buildings. The
total cumulative gross benefits expected from CERP is an estimated £152m over the
SR10 period. At the end of June 2014, approximately £140m had been realised through
resource savings of approximately £98m and gross capital proceeds of £42m.</p><p>
</p><p>There are 32 closed courts currently not in use. Of these, 27 were closed between
May 2010 and March 2013 as part of CERP and business as usual closures. The full year
cost of maintaining these courts in 2013/14 was £942,162. A further five courts were
closed since then. The cost of maintaining these courts since their closure to date
has been £122,444. All closed courts are being prepared for or undergoing sale processes.</p><p>
</p><p>The cost of maintaining courts following closure includes costs on rent and
rates, maintenance, labour costs on facilities management, fuel and utilities and
other property costs. One court, Stourbridge County Court, was closed but is being
used for administrative purposes.</p><p> </p><p>The Department is committed to disposing
of surplus property assets expeditiously and reducing holding costs. The sale of former
courts is dependent on a number of factors e.g. market, potential future use, location
and the fact that some are occupied in part by the police and local authorities which
also make disposal difficult. We have improved efficiency through the closure of poor
quality and underused court buildings.</p>
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