Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his planned timetable is for the reopening of (a) Blackpool and (b) Preston magistrates’ courts.

The safety of everyone who uses our courts is paramount and the decision to temporarily close Blackpool and Preston Magistrates’ courts was made in line with professional advice following the detection of defective Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. These court buildings will reopen once they are assessed as safe by professionals following the completion of required remedial works.

Blackpool Magistrates’ Court is currently scheduled to reopen in February 2024. Preston Magistrates’ Court is currently scheduled to reopen in January 2024.

Cases have been heard in other courts in Lancashire to ensure cases continue to be heard in a timely way.