'Flexible court hours' pilot scheme to roll-out in England and Wales

The Justice Minister Damian Green is expected to announce the roll-out of 48 areas in England and Wales that will take part in a flexible court hours pilot, later today.

The Ministry of Justice has said will allow the system to better "respond to local needs".

The Justice Minister Damian Green
The Justice Minister Damian Green is to announce the roll-out of flexible court hours pilot in England and Wales Credit: David Jones/PA Wire

Under the plans, courts are offered a range of options including extended sittings on week days, wider use of virtual courts and video-links and extended weekend sittings, including on Sundays.

The scheme is part of the government's criminal justice reform White Paper entitled 'Swift and Sure Justice' that was published in July.

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