Written question WQ91507
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 3 days
Question
Will the Minister make representations to the Ministry of Justice to request that they reverse their decision not to go ahead with pilots of Intensive Supervision Courts given the positive results of the Family Drug and Alcohol Court pilot?
Answer
Answered by Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution
We would welcome the piloting of a Problem Solving Criminal Court in Wales, subject to certain conditions being met. These are set out in the Delivering Justice for Wales 2024 progress report.
Lord Bellamy, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Justice in the UK Government, said consideration was being given to a pilot in Merthyr Tydfil. Welsh Government officials attended several meetings with the Ministry of Justice before it was concluded this would not be taken forward.
We were disappointed none of the pilots for what have now been renamed Intensive Supervision Courts are due to take place in Wales.
Resources in Wales are currently being focused and prioritised on supporting the extension of the Family Pathfinder pilot from Wrexham to South Wales. The Family Drug and Alcohol Court pilot in Cardiff and the Vale is currently undergoing evaluation.