Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions she has had with court staff trade union representatives on their remuneration and training for judicial decision-making as set out in the Transforming our Justice System, consultation paper, published in September 2016.

Certain HMCTS staff are already authorised to exercise judicial powers across most jurisdictions. Mechanisms are in place to discuss training and remuneration with the staff involved and with trades unions. There have been numerous discussions under this framework in the past, as roles have changed and developed.

HMCTS recently sought the views of staff, trades unions and the judiciary about a proposed new senior leadership structure for these roles, and will continue to use the mechanisms available as they develop.