Government Plans Overlook Fines Unit - Farron

The government's plans to close the Court in Kendal have overlooked the Cumbria Central Payments Unit, which is currently based in the same building, according to South Lakes MP Tim Farron.

The government announced in February its plans to close Kendal Court. However, the document made no mention of what would happen to the Cumbria Central Payments Unit, which is based on the same premises. This unit, which employs 17 people, is in charge of the payment and enforcement of fines across Cumbria.

Tim has written to the Justice Secretary to demand immediate clarification regarding the future of the unit.

Tim said: "The government's plans to close Kendal Court are short-sighted and ill-thought through, and will have a damaging impact on local justice. However, the government doesn't appear even to have thought about what will happen to the Cumbria Central Payments Unit.

"There are 17 local people employed by this unit, and frankly they deserve to know what will happen to this unit. Moving the unit to alternative premises would not only be costly, but also hugely disruptive and may mean that staff based in Kendal would no longer be able to work there due to the distance."