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Response received from MP this morning. There was no suggestion of any of the topics raised where covered please see response to her from advisor LORD BELLAMY KC

It seems like there might be a misunderstanding about the response to the points raised with the MP and the settlement of the grievances. It’s important to ensure that all concerns are addressed appropriately. Effective communication and resolution can help in these situations. If there are any specific issues that still need to be addressed, it might be beneficial to seek further clarification.

“Dear Sally-Ann,

Thank you for your email of 26 March, on behalf of your constituent, Mr Martin Newbold of 15 Valleyside Road, Ore Village, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5AD, regarding the Government’s announcement of funding for the Justice System via the Spring Budget. I am replying as the Minister responsible for Family Law and Justice policy.

Firstly, it might be helpful if I explain that the funding is not primarily about non-court resolution, however, it is a funding package across a number of productivity measures, as part of the Chancellor’s Public

Sector Productivity Programme. The Spring Budget 2024 announced investment of over £160m until

2027/28 for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to improve productivity by supporting the MoJ to advance

Artificial Intelligence and technology; reduce the administrative burden on staff; and better manage our demand. This funding includes:

• £55 million for Family Justice to finance a package of dedicated interventions to support separating

families. We are committed to helping more parents resolve their issues earlier and without coming to court, ensuring families can navigate the family justice system and understand the different options available to them.

This will include investment of £12 million to expand the scope of Legal Aid to encompass early legal advice in private family law proceedings for families considering an application to the family court for

child arrangements. The Government will also introduce a new online information and guidance tool to support earlier resolution of family disputes and help families navigate the range of options available by suggesting suitable interventions and resources based on their individual needs. Many families will still require the support of the family court in order to reach a fair and safe resolution. The Government is also improving the experiences of the courts for victims and survivors of domestic abuse through expansion of the Private Law Pathfinder Pilot. This will identify needs earlier and provide specialist support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

• £53 million for the introduction of the Bail Information Service to all courts nationally. This will help to remove barriers to bail and reduce the remand population held in custody.

• Funding for a range of measures to introduce digital solutions, and reduce administrative burden across prisons and the courts, including:

➢ £16 million to increase prison workshop activity to boost employability and focus resources on rehabilitative activities.

➢ £6 million for Digitising key services in Prisons.

➢ £22 million for the introduction of a new offender risk manager tool ‘Assessing Risks, Needs and Strengths’.

➢ £6 million Introduction of Artificial Intelligence to reduce the need for manual scanning of paper documents in the administration of court cases.

➢ £500,000 to modernise communications from HM Courts & Tribunal by bringing forward digital reforms and reducing spend on first class post.

Kind Regards,

LORD BELLAMY KC”

Let’s Hope for a Prompt Response

We anticipate a prompt and thorough response to our letter today.