Lord Chancellor’s move gets thumbs-up from lawyers
Lawyers across the country today breathed a united sigh of relief, as Michael Gove announced that the much-hated criminal courts charge is nearing its end.
Speculation has stirred in recent weeks about the longevity of the charge, not helped by its fiercely negative public perception and unfortunate association with the much-hated ex-Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.
Just weeks after a damning report from the Justice Committee tore the charge to shreds, Gove finally bit the bullet and vowed to stamp out one of Grayling’s most hated legacies from 24 December.
The reaction from lawyers is, unsurprisingly, very positive and, interestingly, very pro-Gove:
Gove – cementing Grayling's reputation as one of the worst ministers in living memory. How many others have been so remorselessly reversed?
— Simon Myerson QC (@SCynic1) December 3, 2015
In six months, Gove has managed to reverse – or to prepare the ground for reversing – almost all of Grayling's distinctive policies at MoJ.
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) December 3, 2015
News of the charge’s planned abolition broke on Twitter this morning following Gove’s address to the Magistrates’ Association Council — though there seems to be some confusion about who or what prompted Gove’s political U-turn.
Michael Gove has just announced the abolition of the criminal courts charge #criminalcharge
— The Howard League (@TheHowardLeague) December 3, 2015
We have led the opposition to the #criminalcharge since its introduction in April https://t.co/7Ixh2a29tj
— The Howard League (@TheHowardLeague) December 3, 2015
Gove tells #MACouncil that he is scrapping the #criminalcharge having listened to our case #MAsuccess pic.twitter.com/cXWwu7GBc9
— Magistrates (@MagsAssoc) December 3, 2015
Details are still thin on the ground, and some keen legal commentators are concerned about how the reform will actually work.
@DavidAllenGreen wonder what will happen with those who have or are about to pay it though, will they get refunds?
— Leftie Lib (@liberal_leftie) December 3, 2015
For now, at least, lawyers can take comfort that the legacies left by Grayling’s disastrous stint in power are beginning to unravel.