Grayling considers courts restructure

Justice secretary Chris Grayling has told parliament today that he is considering how new organisational structures could improve the efficiency of the courts and tribunal services.

Big rises in court fees are likely to form part of the plans, which the MoJ intends to explain in detail in a consultation paper to be published in the next few months.

Times online reported this morning that Russian oligarchs and other wealthy businessmen who bring multi-million pound cases to the UK may have to pay much higher court fees in the future.

Grayling did not say in today's ministerial statement that fees should be proportionate to the sums claimed, but only that he wanted to ensure that those who litigate in our courts pay their fair share, and that it is possible to raise the revenue and investment necessary to modernise the infrastructure and deliver a better and more flexible service to court users.

The justice secretary said he had asked MoJ officials to consider appropriate vehicles to achieve these aims, and the organisational structures that might best support this.

He went on: "Our courts and judiciary command great respect around the world and we should be proud of their international reputation and the contribution they already make to our economy. This country is a major centre for legal services and dispute resolution. I want to explore how we can further enhance the position of the UK at the centre of the international legal market and the revenue it can generate."

Grayling added that he had discussed the ideas in outline with the Lord Chief Justice and Sir Jeremy Sullivan, the Senior President of Tribunals and would continue to work closely with the judiciary.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, issued a statement saying it was increasingly difficult to secure adequate funding to support and develop the courts and tribunals.

He said: "The Senior President of Tribunals and I recognise the wisdom of exploring ways in which to achieve funding arrangements which are consistent with the independence of the judiciary, the responsibility of the state to provide access to justice and the need for appropriate accountability.

"We will work with the Lord Chancellor over the coming months as the review considers the options."

Lucy Scott Moncrieff, president of the Law Society, the society strongly supported further steps to update the courts service in England and Wales, particularly when it is to further enhance the international competitiveness of the England and Wales legal jurisdiction.

She added that the MoJs review should have at its heart the principles of ensuring that justice is accessible to all.