Beancounting courts bosses have told magistrates in the region’s courts to make their own brews – by taking away their coffee machines.
The Ministry of Justice has spent more than £7,700 on refreshments for JPs across East Lancashire since 2010, the Observer can reveal.
But spending on food and drink has decreased considerably since coffee machines were removed from magistrates’ courts in Hyndburn, Blackburn, Burnley and Reedley. Courts bosses say they are always looking for efficiency savings.
The figures were obtained by the Observer under the Freedom of Information Act.
Matthew Pauls, of the MoJ North West Civil Justice Centre, said the figures fell when coffee machines were removed.
He said: “The reason for the figures falling yearly is due to the removal of coffee machines and the fact that Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court is now a hearing centre only and there are far less court sessions held.
“In respect of Burnley Magistrates’ Court, the figures for 2010 also include expenditure for Rossendale Magistrates Court which is now closed.” There are no allocated breaks during a court sitting day, instead magistrates retire to consider adjudication where necessary. An hour-long break for lunch is provided for full day sittings only.
Serving magistrates must sit a minimum of 26, three-hour half days each year.
East Lancashire court manager Yvonne Cotton confirmed that ‘old-fashioned’ refreshment facilities had been removed.
She said: “We have removed coffee percolators because they were expensive to run. We have always got to think of ways of saving money.
“The magistrates are given expenses but there is no budget to provide lunches because they are volunteers.” Rennie Pinder, a magistrate on the East Lancashire bench for seven years, said coffee machines were removed about 12 months ago and replaced with a kettle.
He said: “It’s no better and no worse, the only difference is we have to brew up now. The tea and coffee is provided.”
Magistrate Munsif Dad said facilities at Hyndburn were ‘quite adequate’. He said: “We are provided with tea, coffee and milk and sometimes the magistrates will bring in a box of biscuits, which is always appreciated.”
The Accrington and Blackburn benches were merged by HM Courts Service last year.
Amounts spent on refreshments for magistrates in Hyndburn, Blackburn and Burnley since 2010:
2010 - £4,359.94
2011 – £2,026.82
2012 - £1,374.68
