Apr 18 - GSD Proposes Old Police Station As Central Hub For Tribunals
The GSD says it notes the invitation by the Government for expressions of interest in the former Central Police Station Building at Irish Town. The party says the former Central Police Station “is an iconic and beautiful building” and the GSD believes that there is a real opportunity to retain it in public ownership for the purposes of housing all tribunals. The GSD believes that with “sensitive and careful development” of this historic property, it could be used as a central hub for all tribunals such as the Industrial Tribunal , Rent Review Tribunal and Social Security Tribunal to name but a few.
The party says that the added benefit of having a central hub for tribunals would mean that the costs of administration and resources could be shared and pooled. For example, the party says that it has long been the case that Industrial Tribunal hearings have been held at both New Harbours and John Mackintosh Hall. The GSD believes that locating the Industrial Tribunal at a fit for purpose central location with a permanent Chairman “would improve the service and the citizens interaction with the service.”
The GSD invites the Government to give serious consideration to retaining this building for the purposes of not only locating tribunals at a central location but also as part of a wider move to bring tribunals under the umbrella of a combined Courts and Tribunal Service. The GSD Opposition says it will be inviting views from stakeholders and the public.
Shadow Minister for Justice, Elliott Phillips MP said:
“It will be recalled that there was significant investment into the fabric and infrastructure of our justice system by the GSD in Government, from the building of new courts and a new prison to the recruitment of new judges. In addition, the GSD and latterly the GSLP in their first term, finalised reforms the criminal law, family law and laws concerning children. This iconic building should be retained in public ownership to create a central location for all tribunals in order improve the service to the public. Over the last eight years we have seen significant changes to our justice system but the time has come to take stock, review where we are and how we improve the point at which the citizen interacts with the Courts and particularly tribunals. We believe that creating a central hub for tribunals should be the first step in bringing tribunals under the umbrella of a combined Courts and Tribunal Service which will serve our community well and ultimately improve the quality and experience to the service user and the administration of justice in Gibraltar.”
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