The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, is concerned that HM Courts and Tribunal Services (HMCTS) have not fully recognising the severe impact centralising remand courts will have on other partners.

In June, HMCTS put forward the proposal to remove the existing five remand courts within West Mercia, and the decision has now been made to replace them with just one in Kidderminster. During the consultation stage, the Commissioner expressed concern that the financial impact the changes would have on services like the police force had not been fully considered.

Mr Campion said: “I am disappointed that HMCTS didn’t engage with me more to look at more efficient ways of making this work. The decision to have only one remand court within an area that is the geographical size and complexity of West Mercia makes no sense. There has been a complete failure to recognise the impact this will have on other services, particularly West Mercia Police. Any savings for the court service could be passed to the police to pick up as a result of having to move prisoners across a vast area. There is also a risk of re-offending from defendants having to make their own way home from the court.

“There are more efficient ways of making this work and reducing demand on others, such as creating multiple remand courts or introducing digital solutions like video-link.An HMCTS spokesperson said: “These changes will mean more trials can be listed at Cannock Magistrates’ Court, which will in turn reduce waiting times for victims and witnesses.“We consulted widely on this issue, all responses were fully considered and final decisions were only taken with the full support of senior local judges.””