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1542776

registered interest
date	16/11/2022
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Courts: Closures
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, for what reasons the legal cases relating to the closure of the Prospero House Nightingale Court on Borough High Street have been delayed.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	88897
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/11/2022 answer text <p>The closure of Prospero House will not cause cases to be delayed. Those cases listed to be heard after the closure will now take place at Southwark Crown.</p> answering member constituency Finchley and Golders Green answering member printed Mike Freer question first answered 22/11/2022 10:30:53 answering member 4004 label Biography information for Mike Freer
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1490558

registered interest
date	19/07/2022
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Barristers: Industrial Disputes
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will meet with the Criminal Bar Association and representatives of striking legal professional barristers to help prevent further delays to cases.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	39862
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/09/2022 answer text <p>My predecessor, James Cartlidge MP, met representatives from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) in May and I met them in July. These meetings gave us the chance to discuss the positive changes proposed by CLAIR and the benefits of engaging with government constructively to ensure the sustainability of the sector. Senior officials continue to meet the chair of the CBA on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual concern.</p><p>On 30 June, the Government announced via a Written Ministerial Statement that it would introduce secondary legislation to increase criminal legal aid fees. On 20 July, the Government laid a statutory instrument to implement a 15% uplift to most fee schemes. This statutory instrument will come into force for new representation orders that begin from 30 September 2022 onwards. Criminal legal aid practitioners will start to receive the pay increase from October 2022 onwards for their work on these cases.</p><p>Whilst we recognise the importance of remuneration in delivering long term sustainability of the market, Sir Christopher’s review was not just about providers’ remuneration, but also about the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System for all who use it. That is why alongside greater investment in criminal legal aid fees, we have consulted on a range of non-financial measures to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.</p><p>Sir Christopher Bellamy undertook a financial assessment and recommended that funding for criminal legal aid should be increased overall for both solicitors and barristers as soon as possible to an annual level, in a steady state, of at least 15% above present levels. On 15 March, we published our interim response to Sir Christopher Bellamy’s report together with a consultation on related policy proposals. This was followed by a 12-week consultation period, and then a further 12 weeks to deliver requisite operational and legal changes. The next phase will involve consideration of the options for longer term reform we set out in the consultation, with a full response being published in the autumn. Notwithstanding the time constraints, we have worked as quickly as possible to deliver the funding increase, with the new fees due to come into force on 30 September. There is provision for interim and hardship payments to be made to criminal barristers and solicitors in certain circumstances, which are set out in Regulations and administered by the Legal Aid Agency.</p> answering member constituency Derbyshire Dales answering member printed Miss Sarah Dines grouped question UIN 39863 39864 question first answered 05/09/2022 10:25:36 answering member 4816 label Biography information for Miss Sarah Dines
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1490561

registered interest
date	19/07/2022
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, by when his Department expects to respond to all the recommendations of the Bellamy Review into legal aid; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	39863
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/09/2022 answer text <p>My predecessor, James Cartlidge MP, met representatives from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) in May and I met them in July. These meetings gave us the chance to discuss the positive changes proposed by CLAIR and the benefits of engaging with government constructively to ensure the sustainability of the sector. Senior officials continue to meet the chair of the CBA on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual concern.</p><p>On 30 June, the Government announced via a Written Ministerial Statement that it would introduce secondary legislation to increase criminal legal aid fees. On 20 July, the Government laid a statutory instrument to implement a 15% uplift to most fee schemes. This statutory instrument will come into force for new representation orders that begin from 30 September 2022 onwards. Criminal legal aid practitioners will start to receive the pay increase from October 2022 onwards for their work on these cases.</p><p>Whilst we recognise the importance of remuneration in delivering long term sustainability of the market, Sir Christopher’s review was not just about providers’ remuneration, but also about the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System for all who use it. That is why alongside greater investment in criminal legal aid fees, we have consulted on a range of non-financial measures to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.</p><p>Sir Christopher Bellamy undertook a financial assessment and recommended that funding for criminal legal aid should be increased overall for both solicitors and barristers as soon as possible to an annual level, in a steady state, of at least 15% above present levels. On 15 March, we published our interim response to Sir Christopher Bellamy’s report together with a consultation on related policy proposals. This was followed by a 12-week consultation period, and then a further 12 weeks to deliver requisite operational and legal changes. The next phase will involve consideration of the options for longer term reform we set out in the consultation, with a full response being published in the autumn. Notwithstanding the time constraints, we have worked as quickly as possible to deliver the funding increase, with the new fees due to come into force on 30 September. There is provision for interim and hardship payments to be made to criminal barristers and solicitors in certain circumstances, which are set out in Regulations and administered by the Legal Aid Agency.</p> answering member constituency Derbyshire Dales answering member printed Miss Sarah Dines grouped question UIN 39862 39864 question first answered 05/09/2022 10:25:36 answering member 4816 label Biography information for Miss Sarah Dines
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1490564

registered interest
date	19/07/2022
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the financial effect on the criminal legal aid sector of the time taken to implement recommendations of Sir Christopher Bellamy’s Independent review of criminal legal aid.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	39864
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/09/2022 answer text <p>My predecessor, James Cartlidge MP, met representatives from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) in May and I met them in July. These meetings gave us the chance to discuss the positive changes proposed by CLAIR and the benefits of engaging with government constructively to ensure the sustainability of the sector. Senior officials continue to meet the chair of the CBA on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual concern.</p><p>On 30 June, the Government announced via a Written Ministerial Statement that it would introduce secondary legislation to increase criminal legal aid fees. On 20 July, the Government laid a statutory instrument to implement a 15% uplift to most fee schemes. This statutory instrument will come into force for new representation orders that begin from 30 September 2022 onwards. Criminal legal aid practitioners will start to receive the pay increase from October 2022 onwards for their work on these cases.</p><p>Whilst we recognise the importance of remuneration in delivering long term sustainability of the market, Sir Christopher’s review was not just about providers’ remuneration, but also about the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System for all who use it. That is why alongside greater investment in criminal legal aid fees, we have consulted on a range of non-financial measures to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.</p><p>Sir Christopher Bellamy undertook a financial assessment and recommended that funding for criminal legal aid should be increased overall for both solicitors and barristers as soon as possible to an annual level, in a steady state, of at least 15% above present levels. On 15 March, we published our interim response to Sir Christopher Bellamy’s report together with a consultation on related policy proposals. This was followed by a 12-week consultation period, and then a further 12 weeks to deliver requisite operational and legal changes. The next phase will involve consideration of the options for longer term reform we set out in the consultation, with a full response being published in the autumn. Notwithstanding the time constraints, we have worked as quickly as possible to deliver the funding increase, with the new fees due to come into force on 30 September. There is provision for interim and hardship payments to be made to criminal barristers and solicitors in certain circumstances, which are set out in Regulations and administered by the Legal Aid Agency.</p> answering member constituency Derbyshire Dales answering member printed Miss Sarah Dines grouped question UIN 39862 39863 question first answered 05/09/2022 10:25:36 answering member 4816 label Biography information for Miss Sarah Dines
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1360788

registered interest
date	18/10/2021
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Legal Aid Scheme
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans his Department has to extend access to legal aid.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	58412
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/10/2021 answer text <p>In the 2019 Legal Support Action Plan, we announced a comprehensive review of the legal aid means test. The review is assessing the effectiveness with which the means test protects access to justice, by bringing together data, evidence and expertise from across government, and engaging with legal practitioners, representative organisations and third sector bodies. A central issue is the income and capital thresholds, but we are also reviewing other areas, such as the passporting provisions for people receiving certain benefits and the level of contributions individuals are required to pay towards their legal costs. We hope to publish the review alongside a public consultation shortly.</p><p> </p><p>We have also recently made changes to ensure that legal aid remains accessible to those who need it. In May 2020, we removed the mandatory element of the Civil Legal Advice telephone gateway. In December 2020, we removed the £100,000 cap on the amount of mortgage debt which can be considered in the civil means test, which means an individual’s whole mortgage debt is now deducted from their property’s value when assessing eligibility for civil legal aid. This legislation also disregarded some compensation and ex-gratia payments for the purposes of assessing legal aid eligibility.</p><p> </p><p>In September 2021, we announced that we will remove the legal aid means test for applicants for Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) in relation to legal representation at inquests. This change will extend access to legal aid for the bereaved and simplify the ECF process.</p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 21/10/2021 16:13:42 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1242947

registered interest
date	13/10/2020
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Immigration: EU Nationals
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many appeals to EU Settlement Scheme decisions have (a) been made and (b) been successful in reversing a decision made by his Department.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	102821
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/10/2020 answer text <p>The EU Settlement Scheme is administered by the Home Office with a statutory right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal - Immigration and Asylum Chamber (FtTIAC).</p><p>From commencement of the statutory appeal right on 31 January 2020 to 30 June 2020, the most recent date for published tribunal statistics, there have been 57 appeals lodged with the FtTIAC against decisions made under the EU Settlement Scheme.</p><p>Seven appeals have been rejected, with the remainder awaiting determination by the tribunal.</p> answering member constituency Cheltenham answering member printed Alex Chalk question first answered 21/10/2020 16:48:02 answering member 4481 label Biography information for Alex Chalk
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1200660

registered interest
date	04/06/2020
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Judiciary: Hong Kong
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to support the (a) independence of the judiciary in Hong Kong and (b) British judges who serve within that judicial system.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	54926
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>The UK Government is monitoring developments closely and remain committed to supporting the principles of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Hong Kong in accordance with the obligations undertaken by the UK and China in the Joint Declaration.</p><p>Each country should uphold its own rule of law and we expect British judges who get invited to sit in Hong Kong’s courts to apply law in accordance with legislation and guidance in place in that country without interference from the Executive.</p> answering member constituency Croydon South answering member printed Chris Philp question first answered 09/06/2020 16:32:49 answering member 4503 label Biography information for Chris Philp
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1187205

registered interest
date	23/03/2020
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Trials: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of deferring or postponing ongoing trials for non-violent offences for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	33580
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/04/2020 answer text <p>As of 23 March 2020, the Lord Chief Justice suspended all jury trials in the Crown Court. In the Magistrates’ Courts, trials are being selected for listing by the Judiciary where the Judge is satisfied that the case can be safely heard, having regard to all the particulars of the case management and the status and condition of the court in which it will be heard.</p><p>Our courts provide a vital public service and it is important that justice is delivered wherever possible. We are working closely with the judiciary and using the technology available to progress cases through the system as quickly as possible. Public safety is our priority and we are keeping the situation under constant review.</p> answering member constituency Croydon South answering member printed Chris Philp question first answered 21/04/2020 15:51:12 answering member 4503 label Biography information for Chris Philp
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1183635

registered interest
date	09/03/2020
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Crime: Victims
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Queen's Speech December 2019 Background Briefing Notes, what his timescale is for (a) publishing and (b) introducing a revised victims' code; and whether that revised code will include a children's victims' code.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	26899
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/03/2020 answer text <p>Our consultation ‘<em>Improving the Victims’ Code</em>’ is due to close on 16 April 2020. We will publish a finalised version of the revised Victims’ Code as part of the response to this consultation as soon as possible and introduce it later this year.</p><p>As outlined in our first consultation on the Victims’ Code held in 2019, ‘<em>Proposals for revising the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime</em>’, we are fully committed to publishing child/young person friendly guidance alongside the revised Victims’ Code.</p> answering member constituency Cheltenham answering member printed Alex Chalk question first answered 17/03/2020 12:22:13 answering member 4481 label Biography information for Alex Chalk
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle

1182002

registered interest
date	02/03/2020
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	National Probation Service for England and Wales: Bermondsey and Old Southwark
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the timetable is for the relocation of the Probation Service Offices on Harper Road in Bermondsey and Old Southwark constituency.
tabling member constituency	Bermondsey and Old Southwark
tabling member printed	Neil Coyle
uin	23554
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/03/2020 answer text <p>The National Probation Service (NPS) occupies 21 Harper Road on a leasehold basis and the tenancy is due to expire in 2059. We understand the proposed redevelopment of the area will provide valuable employment and the department has been exploring options for relocating staff currently in situ to other offices while keeping any disruption to a minimum. We expect to be able to recommence discussions shortly with the landlord regarding the lease and the Probation Service’s office at 21 Harper Road.</p> answering member constituency South East Cambridgeshire answering member printed Lucy Frazer question first answered 10/03/2020 17:24:50 answering member 4517 label Biography information for Lucy Frazer
tabling member	4368 label Biography information for Neil Coyle