Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when Bedford employment tribunal court is expected to close; which bodies were (a) consulted on and (b) notified of the proposal to close that court; what court services will remain in Bedford after that closure; and if he will publish any documents relating to that closure.

The Bedford Tribunal building will cease holding hearings in September 2017. This has been necessary as the lease held by HM Courts & Tribunals Service could not be renewed.

The Regional Employment Tribunal Judge wrote to tribunal users in March 2017 informing them of the change. Since HMCTS are compelled to exit the building by circumstances beyond their control, consultation was not appropriate.

Tribunal work, along with county court work, will continue to be heard in Bedford, in the Shire Hall building.