FAMILY JUSTICE SYSTEM AND FAMILY COURTS

Early day motion 623, tabled 23 October 2012 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 26 members.

That this House is concerned that care and supervision cases in the Family Courts are taking almost a year to complete; notes that this will have an entirely negative impact on vulnerable children for whom a year is a very long time; is concerned that the Government's court closure programme has led to a worrying increase in the distances that families have to travel to attend a court hearing; further notes that parties, often in conflict, including victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, are forced to share court waiting space due to court closures and lack of resources; and calls on the Government to review the administration of the Family Courts without delay particularly as further courts will close before the proposed single family court is established.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, DUP 2, Liberal Democrat 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1.