The controversial flexible court hours pilot has been postponed until February, HM Courts & Tribunals Services (HMCTS) has confirmed.
The pilot, which would have involved courts sitting as early as 8am and as late as 8pm, had been due to start in certain magistrates’, Crown, civil and family courts over the next six weeks. However, the proposal came under fire from barristers and solicitors concerned about the impact on their working hours. In particular, the Bar Council expressed concern that the early starts and late finishes would act as a barrier to practitioners with caring responsibilities.
Susan Acland-Hood, CEO of HMCTS, said: ‘The strong views expressed reinforce the need for us to proceed on a clear evidence base.
‘It’s for that reason that, today, we have agreed to delay the start of these pilots until we are satisfied that we have a robust, independent evaluation system in place; and until we have taken more time to engage and discuss the pilots, picking up on comments made on how they could be improved.’
She said HMCTS would re-tender for an independent organisation to lead the evaluation work, at the same time making more information available and spending more time consulting with professionals in each jurisdiction, including those outside the pilot areas.
Andrew Langdon QC, Chair of the Bar, said: ‘Whilst plans for flexible courts have not been dropped, it is encouraging to see HMCTS not only take on board the Bar Council’s concerns about the plans, which include the impact they will have on barristers with child and other care responsibilities, but they also commit to ensuring robust evaluation measures are in place before proceeding with the pilot.
‘Past experience shows that rushing into decisions can backfire on the government, employment tribunal fees and the impact of LASPO on vulnerable people being just two examples. We will continue to talk with HMCTS, who are in listening mode, on this issue.’
