Proposed closure of Epsom County Court criticised by Citizen's Advice Bureau (From Your Local Guardian)

Proposed closure of Epsom County Court criticised by Citizen's Advice Bureau

7:20am Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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The proposed closure of Epsom County Court has prompted the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) to talk about its concerns over the impact it may have on the borough.

The Ministry of Justice argued that £551,000 in operating costs will be saved by closing Epsom County Court, claiming that “increasing use of internet and email to communicate and access services” negates the need for local, tangible public services.

But the Epsom and Ewell CAB released a statement saying the Epsom County Court was recently located to newly refurbished premises, with three courtrooms and disabled access and public money spent on this relocation and refurbishment will be wasted if the court is closed.

County Councillor Colin Taylor, who represents the area in which the new courthouse was built, said: "Apart from the fact that the new building has only recently opened for business, which seems a waste of public money, the effect of avoidable repossessions on people's lives, as well as the cost to the council in re-housing them, needs to be taken into account. Justice that costs money that people haven't got is, in reality, no justice at all."

County courts such as Epsom deal, among other things with claims for debt repayment and housing disputes, including mortgage and council rent arrears and re-possession.

There are fears if the county court is relocated to Guildford or Reigate as proposed, people facing repossession may be unable to attend hearings.

According to the CAB, this may seriously damage their chances of remaining in their homes, as it is generally agreed that non-attendance at court by the householder significantly increases the chances of a possession order being granted.

The effect of people becoming homeless would prove costly to council tax payers who would pick up the bill from the provision of temporary accommodation and re-housing, which exceeds £5,000 per case per year.

The local CAB successfully assisted over 150 householders last year who were facing potential homelessness, saving council tax payers substantial amounts in housing costs.

The public can currently respond to an online consultation being carried out by the Ministry of Justice at www.justice.gov.uk, under "Consultations".