Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of the closure of the Probate Service in Nottingham on access to probate services for the bereaved; and if he will make a statement.

The probate sub registry at Nottingham has not closed and continues to offer a probate service. Access to Probate in Nottingham is directed via other locations and appointments are available for members of the public if required. Probate is currently undergoing significant reform, with services being placed online to make them more accessible for customers. Where customers need extra support to access these services that will be provided in a variety of ways, including face to face support where necessary. Probate Customers can now make personal applications via a statement of truth which removes the need for them to attend a probate office.