Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what processes his Department has put in place to ensure the adequate cleaning of courts between cases during the covid-19 outbreak.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service has introduced measures to enhance the cleanliness of court and tribunal buildings during the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes implementing additional cleaning in all open and staffed courts throughout the day.

Over 150 extra cleaners have been recruited to enable a thorough, daily clean of work areas and equipment alongside additional touchpoint cleans on frequently touched areas at regular intervals. Hearing rooms will be regularly cleaned but given the high turnover of cases in some courtrooms, this will take place as frequently as court business allows.

The cleaning procedures we have implemented have been developed in line with Public Health England guidance to create a safe environment for court users.