10 ‘Nightingale Courts’ unveiled by The Lord Chancellor.

The Chancellor announced yesterday (19 July 2020) that locations for 10 ‘Nightingale Courts’ have been rapidly set up to tackle the impact of coronavirus on the justice system.

We are clear that Covid-19 has impacted every sphere of life, and this does not exclude the Justice System and Courts. There is a misconception that the Courts have been closed as a result of Lockdown and therefore there is a significant backlog on all areas, not just the housing sector. Cases have been taking place, albeit via telephone hearings and video link, however, these resources have not been able to “catch up” with the sheer volume of cases that have been postponed.

The 10 sites will host the so-called Nightingale Courts with ongoing work to identify more potential locations. This will start to alleviate the pressure on courts and tribunals resulting from the pandemic – ensuring that the wheels of justice keep turning.

• Temporary courts to begin hearing cases from next week

• Move will ease pressure on courts system and tackle the number of outstanding cases

• Part of Government plan to ensure justice continues to be served throughout pandemic

The confirmed sites are:

• Former county court at Telford, Shropshire

• Hertfordshire Development Centre, Stevenage

• Swansea Council Chambers, Swansea

• Cloth Hall Court, Leeds

• Middlesbrough Town Hall, Teesside

• East Pallant House, Chichester

• 102 Petty France, London

• Prospero House, London

• Former magistrates’ court at Fleetwood, Lancashire

• Knights’ Chamber and Visitor Centre, Bishop’s Palace, Peterborough Cathedral

Spanning England and Wales, they will hear civil, family and tribunals work as well as non-custodial crime cases.