The Government is committed to promoting mediation and its benefits. Mediation can be less stressful and quicker than going to court and can help to reduce conflict after a separation and avoid court battles. Funding remains available for family mediation cases where the applicants are eligible for legal aid. Since November 2014, legal aid has also funded the cost of Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAM) and the first mediation session for both parties in a dispute, even if just one of them is eligible. The Government continues working to improve information and signposting on digital platforms to encourage couples to consider mediation.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government recently announced the start of a Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO). The review will assess the effect of changes to legal aid provision for mediation in private family law cases which were made under LASPO.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4517", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lucy Frazer"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South East Cambridgeshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lucy Frazer"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-01-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-22T19:37:15.687Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Mediation: Family Proceedings"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the post-legislative memorandum on the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2014, submitted to the Justice Select Committee on 30 October 2017, what steps he is taking to increase the take-up of family mediation.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"} ], "uin" : "121725"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/819050", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/819050/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government remains committed to promoting mediation and its benefits in resolving disputes out of court, and legal aid continues to be available for mediation in family disputes about children and finances. Everyone who wants to apply to court for certain private law proceedings relating to children and financial remedy, must first consider mediation as a way to settle their dispute and attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting unless they are exempt, for example due to domestic abuse.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4517", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lucy Frazer"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South East Cambridgeshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lucy Frazer"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-01-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-22T19:37:54.82Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Mediation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make it his polity to introduce targets for increasing the number of mediation meetings relating to the pre-Legal Aid, Sentencing & Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"} ], "uin" : "121727"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/819051", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/819051/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government remains committed to support mediation as an effective way for separating couples to resolve disputes about finances on divorce and child arrangements, when it is safe and appropriate to do so. The existing legislation is clear that at every stage during the court process the judge should consider whether non-court dispute resolution is appropriate, and may adjourn proceedings to enable parties to obtain information and non-court dispute resolution or, where parties agree, to enable this to take place. This is in addition to the statutory requirement for prospective applicants to certain proceedings to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), unless they are exempt, and to consider dispute resolution services such as mediation, before applying to court. Training and guidance on the court\u2019s powers is available for the judiciary and court staff. Judges are free, however, to exercise their discretion based on the circumstances of each case. We continue to work with the judiciary, HMCTS and the mediation sector to promote awareness of mediation and its benefits.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4517", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lucy Frazer"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South East Cambridgeshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lucy Frazer"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-01-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-22T19:45:15.973Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Mediation: Family Proceedings"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Answer of 13 July 2015 to Question 6853 on Mediation: Family Proceedings, what steps he is taking to promote the use of existing powers in family procedure rules to refer people to family mediation at any stage in proceedings.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"} ], "uin" : "121728"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/819052", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/819052/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Legal aid remains available for mediation in private family cases subject to a means and merits test. Since November 2014, legal aid has covered the cost of the Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) and the first mediation session for both parties, even if just one of them is eligible. The Government continues working to improve information and signposting on digital platforms to encourage parties to consider mediation.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government recently announced the start of a Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO). The review will assess the effect of changes to legal aid provision for mediation in private family law cases which were made under LASPO.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4517", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lucy Frazer"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South East Cambridgeshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lucy Frazer"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-01-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-22T19:45:36.557Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Mediation: Family Proceedings"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if it remains his policy to ensure the availability of legal aid for family mediation.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"} ], "uin" : "121729"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/443323", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/443323/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Driving offences can have devastating consequences for victims and their loved ones, which is why tough sentences are available to the courts. It is our intention to consult on sentencing proposals, including driving, before the end of this year.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1453", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Selous"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Bedfordshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrew Selous"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-01-15T11:07:02.947Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-01-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Road Traffic Offences: Reviews"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the Government plans to commence its review of driving offences; when he plans that the public consultation on that review will take place; and what timetable he has set for the completion of that review.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"} ], "uin" : "21522"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/428355", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/428355/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The number of prisoners released on Home Detention Curfew (HDC) in England and Wales has fallen in recent years. This is principally due to the reduction in the number of prisoners eligible for the scheme.<\/p>
The Ministry of Justice only collates data on the number of prisoners released on HDC who are then recalled to prison for breach of their curfew conditions and this data is only available for England and Wales as a whole. It would incur disproportionate cost to isolate from this overall data those recalled prisoners who had been released on HDC from prisons in Devon.<\/p>
This data is published and can be located at the following link (table A3.5 details HDC recalls):<\/p>
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/424903/prison-releases-annual-2014.xlsx<\/a><\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1453", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Selous"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Bedfordshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrew Selous"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-11-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "16340"}
, {"_value" : "16341"}
], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-11-19T13:58:19.507Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2015-11-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Prisoners' Release: Curfews"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, for what reasons the number of prisoners being released on Home Detention Curfews in Devon decreased between 2011 and 2014.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/230", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Exeter"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Ben Bradshaw"}
], "uin" : "16339"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/428356", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/428356/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The number of prisoners released on Home Detention Curfew (HDC) in England and Wales has fallen in recent years. This is principally due to the reduction in the number of prisoners eligible for the scheme.<\/p> The Ministry of Justice only collates data on the number of prisoners released on HDC who are then recalled to prison for breach of their curfew conditions and this data is only available for England and Wales as a whole. It would incur disproportionate cost to isolate from this overall data those recalled prisoners who had been released on HDC from prisons in Devon.<\/p> This data is published and can be located at the following link (table A3.5 details HDC recalls):<\/p>