Part 1

Maintaining the court system

Courts boards

Establishment of courts boards
4
1
England and Wales is to be divided into areas for each of which there is to be a courts board.
2
The areas are to be those specified by an order made by the Lord Chancellor.
3
Each area established by an order under subsection (2) is to be known by such name as is specified in the order (but subject to subsection (4)).
4
The Lord Chancellor may make orders altering the areas.
5
“Altering”, in relation to an area, includes (as well as changing its boundaries)—
a
combining it with one or more other areas,
b
dividing it between two or more other areas, and
c
changing its name.
6
Before making an order under subsection (4), the Lord Chancellor must consult any courts board affected by the proposed order.
7
When making an order under subsection (2) the Lord Chancellor must have regard to the desirability of specifying areas which are the same as—
a
the police areas listed in Schedule 1 to the Police Act 1996 (c. 16) (division of England and Wales, except London, into police areas), and
b
the area consisting of the Metropolitan Police District and the City of London police area.
8
Schedule 1 contains provisions about the constitution and procedure of courts boards.