The Law Society Gazette has reported that: "The Ministry of Justice [has] outlined proposals to shut nearly a third of the courts in England and Wales and confirmed it will be looking at ways to make ‘efficiency’ savings in the legal aid budget. A consultation document details plans for the closure of 157 of the 530 courts in England and Wales – 103 of the 330 magistrates’ courts, and 54 of 219 county courts."
Although it has not been officially announced, the Legal Costs Blog understands there are plans to move the Senior Courts Costs Office to a portacabin outside Dudley.
Here’s the new SSSO Offices and Court
It’s hoped the new outdoor court, with only the Cost Judge/Master being seated will speed up assessment hearings.