Threat to justice

Public and commercial services union PCS has attacked government plans to save money by downgrading one in three civil courts and limiting public rights of access to courts. The government plans to set up Local Hearing Venues to replace the full-time courts. However, these will be sporadic and ad hoc. As a consequence the public will have no clear idea of when they are open to offer legal advice and support. Frank Campbell, PCS senior national officer says that the proposals will not create the modern and effective court service the government says it wants while "jeopardising local access to justice".