To debate the following motions which have been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the constitution.
Banbury Magistrate’s Court
This council deplores the Ministry of Justice decision to close the Banbury Magistrate’s and County Court.
This council notes that “The Banbury Court” is an integral part of the fabric of the Town, and is already a combined justice centre for hearing both civil and criminal cases. The Council therefore rejects any suggestion that it is underused and further observes that the Banbury Magistrates’ and County Court provides an important alternative venue for criminal and civil justice, both in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, given the high volume of cases now heard out of Oxford.
This council places the highest importance upon access to justice for all defendants, plaintiffs and for the families of those accused. The present proposals will hit the poorest especially hard, as the current rules will prevent local Solicitors in Banbury from representing legally aided clients, due to the archaic rules which require such firms to be located in close proximity to the court where the hearing is to take place.
This council further notes the additional pressure that the closure would place on the Oxford Combined Court Centre and considers that further centralisation of services to Oxford will put additional strain on Oxford City congestion. This proposed closure would also adversely impact on those people within the Banbury catchment area without independent means of transport or access to public transport.
Accordingly, this Council instructs the Leader to write to the Ministry of Justice to engage with local councils, particularly in light of the emerging partnership arrangements between Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, with a view to exploring the options of utilizing public buildings to continue supporting locally administered justice and the needs of the people of North Oxfordshire, and the Neighbouring counties.
Proposer: Councillor Kieron Mallon
Seconder: Councillor Barry Wood
Banbury Police Station
This council condemns the retrograde decision to close the Magistrates’ and County Court in Banbury. This council calls on the Leader of Cherwell District Council Barry Wood to write to the Minister for Policing, the Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice and the Home Secretary seeking assurance that Banbury police station will remain open for the foreseeable future.
Proposer: Councillor Mark Cherry
Seconder: Councillor Andy Beere
Decision:
Resolved
(1) That the following motion be adopted:
“This council deplores the Ministry of Justice decision to close the Banbury Magistrate’s and County Court.
This council notes that “The Banbury Court” is an integral part of the fabric of the Town, and is already a combined justice centre for hearing both civil and criminal cases. The Council therefore rejects any suggestion that it is underused and further observes that the Banbury Magistrates’ and County Court provides an important alternative venue for criminal and civil justice, both in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, given the high volume of cases now heard out of Oxford.
This council places the highest importance upon access to justice for all defendants, plaintiffs and for the families of those accused. The present proposals will hit the poorest especially hard, as the current rules will prevent local Solicitors in Banbury from representing legally aided clients, due to the archaic rules which require such firms to be located in close proximity to the court where the hearing is to take place.
This council further notes the additional pressure that the closure would place on the Oxford Combined Court Centre and considers that further centralisation of services to Oxford will put additional strain on Oxford City congestion. This proposed closure would also adversely impact on those people within the Banbury catchment area without independent means of transport or access to public transport.
Accordingly, this Council instructs the Leader to write to the Ministry of Justice to engage with local councils, particularly in light of the emerging partnership arrangements between Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, with a view to exploring the options of utilizing public buildings to continue supporting locally administered justice and the needs of the people of North Oxfordshire, and the Neighbouring counties.”
Minutes:
a) Banbury Magistrates Court
It was moved by Councillor Mallon, and seconded by Councillor Wood, that the following motion be adopted:
“This council deplores the Ministry of Justice decision to close the Banbury Magistrate’s and County Court.
This council notes that “The Banbury Court” is an integral part of the fabric of the Town, and is already a combined justice centre for hearing both civil and criminal cases. The Council therefore rejects any suggestion that it is underused and further observes that the Banbury Magistrates’ and County Court provides an important alternative venue for criminal and civil justice, both in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, given the high volume of cases now heard out of Oxford.
This council places the highest importance upon access to justice for all defendants, plaintiffs and for the families of those accused. The present proposals will hit the poorest especially hard, as the current rules will prevent local Solicitors in Banbury from representing legally aided clients, due to the archaic rules which require such firms to be located in close proximity to the court where the hearing is to take place.
This council further notes the additional pressure that the closure would place on the Oxford Combined Court Centre and considers that further centralisation of services to Oxford will put additional strain on Oxford City congestion. This proposed closure would also adversely impact on those people within the Banbury catchment area without independent means of transport or access to public transport.
Accordingly, this Council instructs the Leader to write to the Ministry of Justice to engage with local councils, particularly in light of the emerging partnership arrangements between Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, with a view to exploring the options of utilizing public buildings to continue supporting locally administered justice and the needs of the people of North Oxfordshire, and the Neighbouring counties.”
The motion was debated and subsequently agreed.
b) Banbury Police Station
It was moved by Councillor Cherry, and seconded by Councillor Beere that the following motion be adopted:
“This council condemns the retrograde decision to close the Magistrates’ and County Court in Banbury. This council calls on the Leader of Cherwell District Council Barry Wood to write to the Minister for Policing, the Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice and the Home Secretary seeking assurance that Banbury police station will remain open for the foreseeable future.”
The motion was debated and on being put to the vote was lost and subsequently fell.
Resolved
(1) That the following motion be adopted:
Banbury Magistrates Court
“This council deplores the Ministry of Justice decision to close the Banbury Magistrate’s and County Court.
This council notes that “The Banbury Court” is an integral part of the fabric of the Town, and is already a combined justice centre for hearing both civil and criminal cases. The Council therefore rejects any suggestion that it is underused and further observes that the Banbury Magistrates’ and County Court provides an important alternative venue for criminal and civil justice, both in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, given the high volume of cases now heard out of Oxford.
This council places the highest importance upon access to justice for all defendants, plaintiffs and for the families of those accused. The present proposals will hit the poorest especially hard, as the current rules will prevent local Solicitors in Banbury from representing legally aided clients, due to the archaic rules which require such firms to be located in close proximity to the court where the hearing is to take place.
This council further notes the additional pressure that the closure would place on the Oxford Combined Court Centre and considers that further centralisation of services to Oxford will put additional strain on Oxford City congestion. This proposed closure would also adversely impact on those people within the Banbury catchment area without independent means of transport or access to public transport.
Accordingly, this Council instructs the Leader to write to the Ministry of Justice to engage with local councils, particularly in light of the emerging partnership arrangements between Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, with a view to exploring the options of utilizing public buildings to continue supporting locally administered justice and the needs of the people of North Oxfordshire, and the Neighbouring counties.”