Flagship fraud and cybercrime court gets green light
A new state-of the-art judicial hub will replace most of the courts in Londons Square Mile.
A new state-of the-art judicial hub will replace most of the courts in Londons Square Mile. The City of London Corporation has backed plans for a combined court that will subsume all others in the area apart from the Old Bailey. The court will mostly focus on fraud, economic crime and cybercrime but will also hear other cases, including the work of the City of London Magistrates Court. The Government believes it will help cement the Citys reputation as a preeminent legal cluster. Justice Minister Dominic Raab said: This new flagship court will build on UK legal services unique comparative advantage, by leading the drive to tackle fraud and crack down on cyber crime. By reinforcing the Citys world-leading reputation as the number one place to do business and resolve disputes, its a terrific advert for post-Brexit Britain. The new hub will create space for 18 courtrooms that will replace the civil court, the Mayors and City of London County Courts and the Magistrates Court. The City Corporation will now commission research to establish the cost implications and identify potential funding sources. Susan Acland-Hood, chief executive of HM Courts and Tribunal Service, said: The development of a state of the art court in the City of London will represent a major step forward in our wider programme of reform to deliver a modern justice system. The court will be fully equipped with 21st century technology, and will be a world-leading centre for economic and cybercrime, as well as working across other activity and jurisdictions. HMCTS looks forward to working in partnership with the City of London Corporation to make these plans a reality.