Proposed closure of Brecon Law Courts 'will deepen inequalities in justice system'

The proposed closure of Brecon’s law courts would "adversely affect people with disabilities and low-income families", the Law Society has said.

The Ministry of Justice is consulting on proposals to close 91 courts and tribunals, which is one fifth of courts and tribunals across Wales and England, and integrate or merge 31 more.

The society’s response reflects solicitors’ views on the likely adverse impact of the proposed closures on local communities, the justice system and the legal profession.

Law Society president Jonathan Smithers said: "The proposed closure of Brecon Law Courts will make it more difficult for a significant number people to get to court, and the closures will more adversely affect people with disabilities and lower income families.

"Combined with the further planned increases in court fees and reductions in eligibility for legal aid, this closure will serve to deepen the inequalities in the justice system between those who can and cannot afford to pay.

"No matter who you are, no matter where you live, everyone in England and Wales must be able to access legal advice and the justice system."

The Law Society, in its response to the consultation, has said the MoJ’s proposal does not give sufficient consideration to the inadequate transport infrastructure in Wales. Brecon and the surrounding area is rural and court users will face real difficulties if they are required to travel to Llandrindod Wells, Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea instead of Brecon.

As one solicitor explained: “Buses run at irregular intervals of between one and two hours. At the end of a hearing, if clients were not able to catch the 16:50 Brecon bus from Merthyr it would be too late for the last bus of the day to Talgarth.”

Such onerous journeys could lead to victims, witnesses and claimants being reluctant, or in some cases, entirely unable to attend court, it said.

"Vulnerable clients and those on low-incomes would struggle to cope with increased costs and travel times. Closing Brecon Law Courts would seriously damage access to justice in the area. The Law Society recommends that Brecon Law Court remain open," the response states.