Justice reforms welcomed as step in the right direction, says Police and Crime Commissioner

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has welcomed the proposed reforms to the justice system announced by Justice Secretary Liz Truss.

Mr Lloyd said: “I have campaigned for changes in the law around domestic abuse and I am glad to see this new Prison and Court Bill intends to incorporate some of these changes. This proposal sees the government moving in the right direction to protect and support victims of domestic abuse. I will continue to make the case to ensure that these proposed changes will be embodied into law and properly implemented. This is an important step by the government however the Justice Secretary should be under no illusion that this is the end.”

Mr Lloyd is calling for perpetrators of domestic abuse to be banned from representing themselves in the family courts and for better access for victims of domestic abuse to legal aid.

He is also backing the ‘Scrap the Fee’ campaign, calling for the abolition of the fee domestic abuse victims are being forced to pay for a letter of evidence. He has also called upon Justice Secretary Liz Truss to scrap the need for the letter all together.

The Bill will propose the removal of perpetrators of domestic abuse from representing themselves in the family courts, the removal of timeline restrictions for domestic abuse to access legal aid, and the widening of those who can supply letters of evidence for domestic abuse victims.