Coronavirus (COVID-19): The impact on prison, probation and court systems
Justice Committee
Closed
Inquiry
This inquiry looked at the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on prisons, probation services, court systems and legal professions. Read the key points in an interactive summary of our four reports on the impact of coronavirus on the justice system .
26
Recommendations
16
Conclusions
3
Reports
80
Letters
5
Events
Activity timeline 87 events
9 Mar
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24 Feb
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24 Feb
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3 Feb
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3 Feb
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27 Jan
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19 Jan
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19 Jan
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Formal meeting · Virtual meeting
15 Jan
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18 Dec
2020
2020
16 Dec
2020
2020
Reports 3 reports · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19): the impact on the legal prof… | HC 520 | 3 Aug 2020 | 16 | Responded |
| 4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19): The impact on prisons | HC 299 | 27 Jul 2020 | 16 | Responded |
| 3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19): The impact on probation serv… | HC 461 | 20 Jul 2020 | 10 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
42 results
1
Conclusion
Not Addressed
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The Covid-19 pandemic poses an urgent threat to public health and safety.
The Covid-19 pandemic poses an urgent threat to public health and safety. It is an unprecedented situation that has required an immediate response by the National Probation Service, CRCs and all other services providers along with the NHS to save …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's praise for the probation service's pandemic response but then, instead of responding to that, expresses its own concern about inconsistencies in probation delivery models and makes a recommendation to itself regarding guidance and monitoring.
Ministry of Justice
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2
Recommendation
Accepted
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The Committee recognise that Covid-19 has required an immediate and unprecedented response and praise the...
The Committee recognise that Covid-19 has required an immediate and unprecedented response and praise the probation staff and offenders for adapting to the current situation. The Committee are aware that the NPS and CRCs may differ in their models of …
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Government Response
The government states that guidance to CRCs was issued through Exceptional Delivery Models and Cabinet Office Public Procurement Notices, and HMPPS is monitoring delivery via a comprehensive recovery dashboard, a National Recovery Board, 12 regional recovery boards, and specific recovery workstreams.
Ministry of Justice
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3
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The model of probation delivery has changed substantially in the weeks since the introduction of...
The model of probation delivery has changed substantially in the weeks since the introduction of the UK lockdown, particularly the way in which case-management supervision is delivered. Additionally, other areas such as unpaid work and interventions have stopped. We recognise …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges backlogs in unpaid work and accredited programmes due to social distancing, noting that case lists may continue to grow. It is considering options for unpaid work and has developed and received approval for an Alternative Delivery Format (ADF) to maximise programme delivery, alongside issuing guidance for completing commenced modules.
Ministry of Justice
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4
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS set out how the probation service...
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS set out how the probation service intends to address the backlogs that have built up over the past three months. Additionally, we recommend that the Ministry and HMPPS set out how …
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Government Response
The government details steps to address probation backlogs and ensure sentence completion, including considering options for unpaid work (UPW) and developing an approved Alternative Delivery Format (ADF) for accredited programmes. It also issued guidance to allow completion of commenced programme modules via one-to-one delivery, despite acknowledging ongoing challenges due to social distancing.
Ministry of Justice
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5
Recommendation
Accepted
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The Committee are pleased to see the commitment from HMPPS to learn from the current...
The Committee are pleased to see the commitment from HMPPS to learn from the current model of delivery. We recommend that HMPPS update the Committee on Coronavirus (COVID-19): The impact on probation systems 23 progress of this piece of work, …
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Government Response
HMPPS has developed a programme to capture and share learning from the Covid-19 response, integrating data, staff and service-user perspectives, and international practice, with a focus on remote supervision, alternative delivery models, and staff wellbeing. The government commits to updating the Committee on the progress of this work.
Ministry of Justice
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6
Recommendation
Accepted
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Staff shortages and increased workloads within the probation service preceded the Covid-19 outbreak.
Staff shortages and increased workloads within the probation service preceded the Covid-19 outbreak. Whilst the Committee recognise that Covid-19 means that some areas of work have stopped, it is clear that staff workloads are still extremely high, and staff morale …
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Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to increase recruitment with a minimum of 1000 new probation officers in training by January 2021. It details a Covid-19 Staff Wellbeing Plan, a forthcoming wellbeing toolkit, and a comprehensive wellbeing action plan in the Probation Workforce Strategy, including Mental Health Allies and a new Recovery Workstream.
Ministry of Justice
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7
Recommendation
Accepted
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
At the best of times, release from prison can be a difficult time for many,...
At the best of times, release from prison can be a difficult time for many, however, Covid-19 has created a very different environment for those released from prison to enter. Service provision in the community has changed substantially and it …
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Government Response
The government details several measures put in place for prison leavers during Covid-19, including providing phones, discharge packs, requiring Through the Gate providers to focus on resettlement needs, and establishing Homelessness Prevention Taskforces.
Ministry of Justice
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8
Recommendation
Deferred
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The Committee are pleased to hear about the work the Ministry has done with the...
The Committee are pleased to hear about the work the Ministry has done with the DWP to make Universal Credit more accessible to those leaving prisons. We also welcome the increase in the Subsistence Grant for those who are leaving …
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Government Response
The government has not decided to increase the Discharge Grant during the pandemic, stating that options for its future are being considered and that updates on this work will be provided.
Ministry of Justice
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9
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Accommodation is an important resettlement need for prison leavers, and we welcome the work that...
Accommodation is an important resettlement need for prison leavers, and we welcome the work that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS have done during the pandemic to ensure that prison leavers have the best access to accommodation as possible. We …
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Government Response
The government states the Covid-19 Accommodation Upon Release Scheme was extended until 31st August and will be kept under review. For the longer term, HMPPS is considering how to continue the work of the Homelessness Prevention Taskforces and use lessons learned to develop improvements in probation services.
Ministry of Justice
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10
Recommendation
Accepted
3rd Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The probation service has been in a continual state of reform and uncertainty for the...
The probation service has been in a continual state of reform and uncertainty for the past five years, and is now adapting to the challenges presented by Covid-19. Whilst the announcement is a welcome one, the new model is expected …
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Government Response
The government states that Annex 1 provides the detailed timeline for the probation service transition and outlines ongoing oversight by an independent challenge panel and the IPA, with a further IPA review in late September 2020.
Ministry of Justice
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1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
The Covid-19 pandemic poses an urgent threat to public health and safety.
The Covid-19 pandemic poses an urgent threat to public health and safety. It is an unprecedented situation that has required an immediate response by the prison service to protect the NHS and save lives. We praise the Prison Service and …
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Government Response
The government thanked the committee for its support and affirmed its continued efforts to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in custody and the community.
Ministry of Justice
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2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
The Committee recognise the necessity of the measures introduced to minimise the spread of the...
The Committee recognise the necessity of the measures introduced to minimise the spread of the virus and save lives and commend staff and prisoners for adapting to these changes. However, we do not believe that the current regime is sustainable …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges concerns about the long-term sustainability and impact of the prison regime, outlining its National Framework for easing restrictions and detailing mitigations like increased testing and maintaining purposeful activity where safe.
Ministry of Justice
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3
Recommendation
Not Addressed
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We are not clear as to why there is such wide variance across the estate...
We are not clear as to why there is such wide variance across the estate in type of regime and time out of cell. We agree with the Independent Monitoring Board and recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out …
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Government Response
The government explains the reasons for regime variance due to the pandemic and states that the current minimum out-of-cell time ranges from 1–3 hours, but it does not commit to setting out clear expectations for minimum time out of cell and activity for each phase of recovery.
Ministry of Justice
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4
Conclusion
Accepted
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
The Committee recognise the severity of the current regime in prisons and commend both staff...
The Committee recognise the severity of the current regime in prisons and commend both staff and prisoners for responding and adapting to current circumstances. We are pleased to hear reports that the prison population have been largely compliant with changes …
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Government Response
HMPPS states they have restarted elements of the regime and are supporting mental health by implementing new training, reviewing healthcare, rolling out a revised ACCT framework, and implementing the OMiC model to support prisoners at risk of self-harm.
Ministry of Justice
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5
Recommendation
Accepted
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out what additional mental health support is...
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out what additional mental health support is available for prisoners and what their long-term plan is to mitigate the effect lockdown may have on the mental health of prisoners should prisons remain …
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Government Response
The government details a range of existing products, guidance, and regime mitigations, including a self-help tool and family contact support, that have been implemented to support prisoners' mental health throughout the pandemic and will remain in place until Spring 2021.
Ministry of Justice
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6
Conclusion
Accepted
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
It is vital that prisoners are able to maintain contact with family and friends, particularly...
It is vital that prisoners are able to maintain contact with family and friends, particularly at such an uncertain time. Family contact is essential to a prisoner’s wellbeing and resettlement, and we welcome measures taken to ensure that prisoners are …
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Government Response
HMPPS fully recognises the importance of family contact and has continued to roll out video calling to over 110 prisons, with facilities expected in every establishment by the end of the year, in addition to providing extra PIN telephone credit and mobile PIN phones.
Ministry of Justice
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7
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
While the secure video calling service is a temporary measure implemented in direct response to...
While the secure video calling service is a temporary measure implemented in direct response to the changes across the estate resulting from Covid-19, the Committee 28 Coronavirus (Covid-19): The impact on prisons believe there is scope for this service to …
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Government Response
The government states that video calling is available in over 110 prisons and is expected in all establishments by year-end, addressing the expansion. However, it is still exploring the longer-term sustainability of the service and does not provide costings.
Ministry of Justice
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8
Recommendation
Not Addressed
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
Given that prisons have been in a state of lockdown for 15 weeks, we are...
Given that prisons have been in a state of lockdown for 15 weeks, we are pleased to hear that Exceptional Delivery Models for stage 3 are being developed and that there are hopes to relax the regime in the next …
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Government Response
The government describes the development, review, and amendments made to Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) and ongoing work with Public Health, but does not commit to keeping the Committee updated on specific prisons transitioning or their timeframes.
Ministry of Justice
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9
Conclusion
Accepted
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We are pleased to hear that more than 98% of the prison estate now has...
We are pleased to hear that more than 98% of the prison estate now has cohorting in place. This appears to have been an effective strategy for containing the spread of the virus and protect the lives of staff and …
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Government Response
The government confirms that 100% of prisons have fully implemented cohorting strategies, including compartmentalisation, and credits these existing measures with preventing explosive outbreaks and protecting lives.
Ministry of Justice
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10
Recommendation
Accepted
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
The Committee welcome the Government’s decision to temporarily release pregnant women and women in prison...
The Committee welcome the Government’s decision to temporarily release pregnant women and women in prison with their children, whenever it is safe to do so. The Committee recognise that this cohort of women require specialist support in the community, but …
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Government Response
The government provides a detailed explanation for the number of temporary releases, citing the need for case-by-case risk assessments for public protection, some prisoners' unwillingness or ineligibility, and the requirement for safe accommodation and support post-release. It states 54 prisoners had been released by the end of September.
Ministry of Justice
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11
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We ask the Government to set out how many prisoners were actively considered for release...
We ask the Government to set out how many prisoners were actively considered for release under the scheme and the principal reasons why just over 5 per cent were in fact released early.
Government Response
The government states that 262 prisoners were released under the ECTR scheme and provides detailed reasons for the lower-than-anticipated numbers, citing public protection and stringent risk assessments. However, it does not specify how many prisoners were actively considered for release.
Ministry of Justice
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12
Recommendation
Accepted
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
It is not clear what impact increased court activity will have on the prison population,...
It is not clear what impact increased court activity will have on the prison population, and how MoJ and HMPPS intend to manage any potential influx as a result of increased court activity. The Committee are pleased to note that …
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Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, publishing updated prison population projections on November 26, 2020, which factored in increased police numbers. They also outlined ongoing assessments, investment plans, and measures to manage potential prison population influxes resulting from increased court activity.
Ministry of Justice
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13
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We welcome the sourcing and installation of temporary units to increase headroom across the prison...
We welcome the sourcing and installation of temporary units to increase headroom across the prison estate. We welcome the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Summer Statement on 8 July that £60m is being made available to …
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Government Response
The government reports that 1,150 temporary units are installed and aims to deliver 1,000 more Rapid Deployment Cells in the 2021/22 financial year. It states it is considering the long-term use of these units but does not provide costings for the full 2,000 units or a specific re-deployment plan.
Ministry of Justice
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14
Recommendation
Acknowledged
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We recommend, however, that the Government investigate the reasons behind the relatively high level of...
We recommend, however, that the Government investigate the reasons behind the relatively high level of remand into custody and explain the reasons behind that, particularly given the pressures on the custodial estate during the coronavirus outbreak.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the increased proportion of youth in custody on remand and attributes it to factors like a lower overall population and more serious offenses. It notes that courts are clearing backlogs and prioritizing youth cases.
Ministry of Justice
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15
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We recommend that the MoJ and Youth Custody Service set out how they have responded...
We recommend that the MoJ and Youth Custody Service set out how they have responded to the crisis in the context of the children’s estate and how the specific needs of children have been considered. It is also unclear why …
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Government Response
The government detailed the Youth Custody Service's response to the crisis, including the development of Exceptional Delivery Models, re-commencement of face-to-face education and visits, and a focus on essential activities for children. However, it did not explicitly set out what is being done to address disparities in regimes across the youth estate.
Ministry of Justice
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16
Recommendation
Accepted
4th Report - Coronavirus (Covid-19…
We are concerned that there does not appear to be a sufficiently clear, separate plan...
We are concerned that there does not appear to be a sufficiently clear, separate plan on how the youth custodial estate will transition out of the current lockdown phase. We agree that plans need to be flexible enough to accommodate …
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Government Response
The government states its National Framework is flexible for the youth estate and the Youth Custody Service has developed specific Exceptional Delivery Models, prioritised education, and commissioned research with workshops scheduled to implement learning from COVID-19 experiences into future regimes.
Ministry of Justice
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1
Conclusion
Accepted
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Legal professionals have adapted impressively quickly to working from home and holding and attending hearings...
Legal professionals have adapted impressively quickly to working from home and holding and attending hearings remotely, but this can be difficult. Lord Burnett of Maldon, the Lord Chief Justice, told us that “the quality of the kit matters a great …
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Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's conclusion, detailing its innovative adaptations including the national rollout of Cloud Video Platform (CVP) and providing guidance for remote hearings. They stated a commitment to continue improving court technology and monitoring the impact of video and audio use, alongside increasing video capacity in prisons.
Ministry of Justice
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2
Recommendation
Not Addressed
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
There have been positive developments in providing online solutions to providing court services, but pending...
There have been positive developments in providing online solutions to providing court services, but pending full roll out of HMCTS’s cloud video platform, we recommend that the Ministry of Justice sets out the steps it is taking to ensure that …
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Government Response
The government's response does not address the recommendation to set out steps for lay parties' access to technology for remote hearings or to review the effectiveness of remote hearings for all participants before further rollout. Instead, it discusses reviews related to legal aid practitioners and diversity within the criminal legal aid profession.
Ministry of Justice
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3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Publicly funded legal services providers were already under stress before coronavirus.
Publicly funded legal services providers were already under stress before coronavirus.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the challenges faced by legal service providers by detailing a range of support measures introduced during the pandemic, including the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and various loan schemes, and commits to continuing to monitor the legal aid market.
Ministry of Justice
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4
Recommendation
Not Addressed
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
It is important that the legal professions properly represent the society they serve, not least...
It is important that the legal professions properly represent the society they serve, not least because they form a large part of the pool from which the Judiciary is drawn. The MOJ should set out what it will do to …
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Government Response
The government's response discusses its consideration of the Law Society's proposals for Standard Monthly Payments for Legal Aid providers and their reasons for not adopting them, failing to address the recommendation regarding the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 restrictions on BAME and state-educated legal professionals.
Ministry of Justice
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5
Conclusion
Not Addressed
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Newly qualified barristers face particular pressure.
Newly qualified barristers face particular pressure.
Government Response
The government's response discusses support for Law Centres and not-for-profit providers, including emergency funding and new services, but does not address the observation regarding newly qualified barristers facing particular pressure.
Ministry of Justice
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6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Small high street firms are particularly at risk from the effects of coronavirus restrictions.
Small high street firms are particularly at risk from the effects of coronavirus restrictions.
Government Response
The government implicitly acknowledges the risks to small high street firms by detailing ongoing engagement with legal aid providers, revised guidance, and committing to an independently led review of the criminal legal aid market and broader reviews of civil legal aid to ensure market sustainability.
Ministry of Justice
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7
Conclusion
Accepted
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Law centres and other not-for-profit legal advice providers are also at great risk.
Law centres and other not-for-profit legal advice providers are also at great risk.
Government Response
The government agreed with the committee's observation, stating it secured £5.4 million in emergency grant funding for not-for-profit legal providers and is working with partners to deliver new national-level services, with a further £2 million to be awarded to smaller organizations this autumn.
Ministry of Justice
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8
Conclusion
Not Addressed
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The furlough scheme has been very useful, with both solicitors’ firms and barristers’ chambers using...
The furlough scheme has been very useful, with both solicitors’ firms and barristers’ chambers using it to reduce staff costs. We heard that the loan schemes were less helpful, particularly for small high street firms.
Government Response
The government acknowledges that it introduced an unprecedented package of support measures during the pandemic, listing the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and Bounce Back Loan Scheme as available to legal practitioners and firms, but does not address the observation about the helpfulness of loan schemes.
Ministry of Justice
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9
Conclusion
Accepted
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The Legal Aid Agency has made changes to help the legal professions.
The Legal Aid Agency has made changes to help the legal professions. For example, it has made it easier to claim interim and hardship payments, aligned some fees for remote work with those for in-person work, and halted pursuit of …
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Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's observation by detailing various measures introduced by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Aid Agency to support legal aid providers during the pandemic, including expanding hardship payments, pausing debt pursuit, suspending sanctions, and injecting up to £51 million into criminal legal aid.
Ministry of Justice
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10
Conclusion
Accepted
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
The support provided by the Government is welcome, but it cannot compensate for the significant...
The support provided by the Government is welcome, but it cannot compensate for the significant drop-off in the amount of work being done and remove the risk of a collapse in legal services providers. (Paragraph 32) The way ahead
Government Response
The government acknowledged the committee's conclusion by detailing existing financial support measures available to the legal sector, such as SEISS, various loan schemes, and VAT deferral. They defended eligibility criteria for some schemes and committed to continuing to monitor the legal aid market to understand firm responses to COVID-19 and take necessary action.
Ministry of Justice
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11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
It is important that the legal professions are in good shape to deal with the...
It is important that the legal professions are in good shape to deal with the increase in demand for legal advice and representation that is on the horizon.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of a resilient legal profession by detailing a range of support measures introduced during the pandemic and committing to continuing to monitor the legal aid market as demand increases, taking necessary action to maintain access to justice.
Ministry of Justice
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12
Recommendation
Not Addressed
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers the Bar Council’s proposals for using alternative...
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers the Bar Council’s proposals for using alternative evidence (other than tax returns) for bringing new barristers and returning practitioners within the remit of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and that it report …
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Government Response
The government details its existing support measures and the reasons for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme's eligibility criteria, but it does not commit to considering the Bar Council's proposals for alternative evidence or reporting back on them.
Ministry of Justice
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13
Recommendation
Rejected
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers the Law Society’s detailed proposals for payment...
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers the Law Society’s detailed proposals for payment and repayment of monthly payments (to solicitors firms and not-for-profit providers) and that the Ministry of Justice reports back to us on whether it decides …
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Government Response
The government considered the Law Society's proposals for monthly payments but did not adopt them, citing that the Standard Monthly Payment would provide inconsistent and limited support unrelated to overall financial circumstances. They advised providers to discuss individual circumstances with the Legal Aid Agency and stated they will continue to monitor the sector's financial health.
Ministry of Justice
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14
Recommendation
Accepted
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers further grants for law centres and other...
We recommend that the Ministry of Justice considers further grants for law centres and other not-for-profit legal services providers that are at risk of collapse. The Ministry of Justice should report back to us with its decision and provide its …
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Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, stating it has already secured £5.4 million in emergency grant funding for not-for-profit legal providers and plans to award a further £2 million to smaller organizations this autumn. They also outlined ongoing work with partners to deliver new national-level services.
Ministry of Justice
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15
Recommendation
Rejected
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
On 23 June, we asked Robert Buckland about business rates relief, and he suggested that...
On 23 June, we asked Robert Buckland about business rates relief, and he suggested that his requests to the Treasury were unlikely to be fulfilled but that he was looking for other imaginative solutions. The Ministry of Justice should consider …
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Government Response
The government explains its rationale for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme's £50,000 profit threshold and details existing business and employment support packages for legal firms not eligible for business rates relief, implicitly declining to consider new, targeted assistance as recommended.
Ministry of Justice
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16
Recommendation
Accepted
7th Report: Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
We urge the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Agency to continue to be...
We urge the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Agency to continue to be creative as to how legal aid is administered so that the legal professions are not further damaged by inflexible processes and contractual requirements on top …
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Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, stating it will continue to work closely with the Legal Aid Agency to ensure a flexible and supportive approach, building on existing measures like bi-monthly meetings, revised guidance, and ongoing engagement with representative bodies. They also noted future reviews, including the next phase of the Criminal Legal Aid Review and assessments of civil legal aid sustainability, to ensure the market meets future demands.
Ministry of Justice
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Correspondence 80 letters
9 Mar 2021
Letter dated 4 March 2021 from Sir Robert Neill MP, Chair, Justice Committee, to the Attorney General, on Statutory Instrument - The Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (Specified Proceedings) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Order 2021
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 16 February 2021, regarding funding of Nightingale court sites
Parliament page
24 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP, Attorney General, dated 9 February 2021, regarding the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 Order 2021
Parliament page
3 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 29 January 21, regarding Custody Time Limits
Parliament page
3 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 28 January 2021, regarding Rapid Testing pilot at Manchester Civil Justice Centre
Parliament page
27 Jan 2021
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 20 January 2021, regarding follow up to the evidence session on 1 December
Parliament page
19 Jan 2021
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 13 January 2021, regarding Prosecution of Offences Regulations 2021
Parliament page
15 Jan 2021
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 8 January 2021, regarding evictions SI
Parliament page
16 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Foreign and Commonwealth Office, dated 16 December 2020, regarding Lugano
Parliament page
15 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 8 December 2020, regarding update on coronavirus protection from evictions
Parliament page
1 Dec 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice, dated 25 November 2020, regarding custody time limits
Parliament page
25 Nov 2020
To committee
Letter from Sir Robert Neill MP, Chair, Justice Committee, to Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice on Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction and Taking Control of Goods) (England) Regulations 2020
Parliament page
13 Oct 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP, Attorney General, dated 7 October 2020, regarding issuing of fixed penalty notices
Parliament page
29 Sep 2020
To committee
Letter from Dame Anne Owers, National Chair, Independent Monitoring Boards, dated 22 September 2020, regarding update on IMBs findings
Parliament page
29 Sep 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 28 September 2020, regarding the resumption of possession proceedings after 20 September
Parliament page
16 Sep 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP, Attorney General, dated 16 September 2020, regarding Fixed Penalty Notices
Parliament page
10 Sep 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 10 September 2020, regarding extension of the stay on possession proceedings
Parliament page
9 Sep 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 24 August 2020, regarding extending the temporary stay on possession proceedings
Parliament page
21 Jul 2020
Written evidence from Fair Trials
Parliament page
21 Jul 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 19 July 2020, regarding additional Courts and Tribunals Capacity programme
Parliament page
15 Jul 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 7 July 2020, regarding the impact of COVID-19 on criminal enforcement
Parliament page
8 Jul 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 30 June 2020, regarding Court and Tribunal recovery update
Parliament page
8 Jul 2020
To committee
Letter from Dame Anne Owers, National Chair, Independent Monitoring Boards, dated 2 July 2020, regarding update on IMB findings
Parliament page
1 Jul 2020
To committee
Letter from Chris Philp MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, dated 17 June 2020, regarding release of HMCTS' weekly operational management information dashboard
Parliament page
30 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Law Centres Network
Parliament page
30 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Parliament page
30 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Law Society's Junior Lawyers Division
Parliament page
30 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
Parliament page
30 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Legal Aid Practitioners
Parliament page
30 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Transform Justice
Parliament page
24 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Arthur Michael Robinson
Parliament page
17 Jun 2020
Covid-19 briefing from Unlock
Parliament page
17 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon The Lord Burnett of Maldon, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, dated 9 June 2020, regarding open justice
Parliament page
17 Jun 2020
Covid-19 briefing from Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group
Parliament page
17 Jun 2020
Covid-19 briefing from Criminal Justice Alliance
Parliament page
17 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Justice, dated 10 June, regarding reforms to probation services
Parliament page
10 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Dame Anne Owers, National Chair, Independent Monitoring Boards, dated 3 June 2020, regarding update on findings
Parliament page
10 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Justice, regarding Covid 19 plans for easing of restrictions
Parliament page
10 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Juliet Lyon, Chair, Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody, dated 1 June 2020, regarding rapid review of prisoner experiences under Covid-19
Parliament page
10 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP, Attorney General, dated 3 June 2020, regarding SI on Prosecution of Offences Act 1985
Parliament page
10 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Attorney General, dated 9 June 2020, in response to her letter of 3 June
Parliament page
10 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from the Children's Rights Alliance for England and the Youth Justice Legal Centre, part of Just for Kids Law
Parliament page
10 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Chris Philp MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, dated 3 June 2020, regarding changes made to mitigate the impact of Covid 19 on the Courts and Tribunal System
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, dated 26 May 2020, regarding HMPPS reporting of staff cases of Covid-19
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, dated 22 May 2020, regarding deployment of temporary Accommodation across the Prison Estate as part of covid 19 mitigation plan
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from JUSTICE
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, dated 28 May 2020, regarding covid 19 testing for prison and probation staff
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Howard League for Penal Reform
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 28 May 2020, regarding CPT Statement of Principles
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Prison Reform Trust
Parliament page
4 Jun 2020
Covid 19 briefing from Clinks
Parliament page
28 May 2020
COVID-19 briefing from NACRO
Parliament page
28 May 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Prison Reform Trust
Parliament page
28 May 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Clinks
Parliament page
28 May 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Justice, dated 15 May 2020, regarding Covid 19 in prisons family contact
Parliament page
22 May 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 11 May 2020, regarding resumption of jury trials
Parliament page
13 May 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Justice, dated 4 May 2020, regarding COVID 19 testing for prison and probation staff
Parliament page
5 May 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, dated 5 May 2020, regarding Covid-19 impact on legal sector
Parliament page
5 May 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, dated 28 April 2020, regarding update on the Prison Estate
Parliament page
5 May 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 28 April 2020, regarding Covid 19 in prisons PHE modelling
Parliament page
28 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Susan Acland-Hood, Chief Executive, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, dated 27 April 2020, relating to Covid 19 the impact on prison, probation and court systems
Parliament page
22 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, dated 6 April 2020 regarding an update on Covid-19
Parliament page
22 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Justice, dated 1 April 2020, regarding temporary release from custody of pregnant prisoners
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Women in Prison: additional material on women's Centre planning for release
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Transform Justice
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from JUSTICE
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Sir Robert Neill to Lord Chancellor, dated 8 April 2020 regarding Committee hearing on 7 April 2020
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from the Public and Commercial Services Union
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Women in Prison
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from an Individual Barrister
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from INQUEST
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Prison Governors Association
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Magistrates Association
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Switchback
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Standing Committee for Youth Justice
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Revolving Doors Agency
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Prison Reform Trust
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Howard League
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
To committee
Letter from Chair to Chancellor of Exchequer, dated 8 April 2020, on future of legal professions
Parliament page
8 Apr 2020
COVID-19 briefing from Criminal Justice Alliance
Parliament page