Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:35 pm on 21 June 2022.
Thank you. You've certainly raised a very important issue, and I know it's a real matter of concern to the Welsh Government that the service provided by Support Through Court in Cardiff civil justice centre does really appear to be at real risk of being withdrawn. There's no guarantee it would be replaced. I am aware that the Counsel General did raise this issue directly with the new justice Minister, Lord Bellamy, about the uncertainty of future funding, to press home how important this was. The Ministry of Justice advise that voluntary sector future grant funds for helping litigants in person understand court processes when attending court will be the subject of open competition, as you said. So, what is not clear at this stage is what it will mean for the provision of services in Wales. The Counsel General has committed to continuing to engage with the Ministry of Justice and will consider the request for a statement.