Bracknell Magistrates' Court: proposal on its future

Closed 30 Jul 2014

Opened 18 Jun 2014

Contact

Paul Meadows

ConsultationBracknellMC@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk

Results updated 14 Oct 2014

A total of 12 responses were received to the ‘Proposal on the future of Bracknell Magistrates’ Court’ consultation, none of which objected to the closure of the court. Following consideration of these responses, the Government has decided to proceed with the closure of Bracknell Magistrates’ Court.

This consultation response document provides a summary of the responses received, conclusions and next steps following the decision.

Files:

Overview

This is a consultation on a proposal to close Bracknell Magistrates' Court.

Due to the poor condition of the building, which contains three courtrooms, cases have not been heard at this venue since January 2012, and work has successfully been transferred to other magistrates’ courts in Berkshire. In particular, the trial work that was previously heard in Bracknell is now being held at Reading Magistrates’ Court. Other magistrates’ courts in the region are located at Slough, Maidenhead, and Newbury.

This proposal aims to ensure our court estate is used more efficiently and the closure of Bracknell Magistrates' Court would offer HM Courts & Tribunals Service savings of around £40,000 a year. 

The consultation is aimed at court users, magistracy, judiciary, and anyone else with an interest in the provision of local justice arrangements in Berkshire.

Audiences

  • Local authorities
  • Litigants
  • Legal professionals
  • Police
  • Prosecutors
  • Offenders
  • Court & Tribunal staff

Interests

  • Courts
  • Criminal justice
  • Access to justice