Chris Grayling, the Justice Minister has not let the dissolution of Parliament or the appalled objections of lawyers stand in the way of ever more absurd ruses to squeeze money out of Court users.
Last week he announced plans to charge defendants a flat rate, non-negotiable charge merely for being convicted, irrespective of the seriousness of the charge or their ability to pay. This will be as high as £1200.00 for any Crown Court trial.
Last night, in a bold attempt to take the war to critics who have attacked his plans, Mr Grayling announced the introduction of what he describes as “further much needed efficiency savings” in the criminal justice system.
Top of the list is a new “Catering Charge” which, Mr Grayling said, was a 
natural development arising out of the closure of all court catering contracts which took place in January. Continue reading “Mr Grayling’s Court Catering Charge Will Prove Hard to Swallow”