Association of Personal Injury Lawyers warning over court closures

A body representing accident solicitors has warned the closure of county courts due to Ministry of Justice cutbacks risks severe implications for individuals seeking personal injury compensation.

In a statement, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers argues access to justice could be reduced due to individuals being forced to travel long distances, reports The Whitehaven News.

Equally, it cautions there will be increased pressure on courts that do remain open, as these will have to cover more cases than before.

President of the organisation, Muiris Lyons, comments: "The Ministry of Justice must ensure the courts which do remain open can cope with the inevitable increase in the number of trials."

Last month's spending review heralded wide-sweeping cuts across the majority of government departments, with only the NHS and the overseas aid budget surviving unscathed.

Changes to the Ministry of Justice budget were particularly notable, with reductions of around one-third meaning services such as free legal help and family law advice may be harder to access.

Published by Jessica Shervin