Tier 4 will not stop court business


HMCTS has insisted that courts in Tier 4 areas of England will continue to remain open despite the increased restrictions to combat the new variant of COVID-19.

Around 17 million people in London and across large parts of the south east were put into Tier 4 on 19 December after the discovery of a new variant of coronavirus.

HMCTS have said that buildings in affected areas continue to operate within Covid-secure guidelines, with no plans to change currently scheduled hearings. Under the restrictions, those involved in keeping the justice system running or fulfilling a legal obligation (including jury service) can continue to attend court and travel when required.

Justice minister Chris Philp MP tweeted over the weekend: ‘Courts & Tribunals will continue to operate as they have in recent months, including in Tier 4 areas. Jury trials will continue. This is because justice is an essential service and tens of millions of £s have been spent in the last few months making courts & tribunals Covid safe.’

Amanda Erskine is a solicitor in the Family department at Barker Gotelee Solicitors in Ipswich.

Suffolk Divorce Solicitors – for more information on our range of legal services, please call the team on 01473 611211 or email bg@barkergotelee.co.uk