Overview

The Family Justice (Transparency, Accountability and Cost of Living) Bill aims to improve transparency and accountability within the family court system, enhance the rights of those involved in family court cases, particularly children and grandparents, and implement measures to reduce fuel poverty.

Description

This bill covers several key areas:

Family Court Reform

The bill introduces family group conferences, requiring authorities to offer these meetings to families facing care proceedings. It also grants greater rights to participants in Family Court and Court of Protection proceedings, including the right to have a "Friend" or "McKenzie Friend" present, and expanded participation rights for grandparents and siblings.

Children's Rights

The bill mandates independent investigations into complaints of serious harm made by children in care and establishes being in care as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. It also clarifies the conditions under which parental consent for adoption can be dispensed with, prioritizing placement with relatives where feasible.

Court Procedure & Transparency

The bill abolishes the common law offence of scandalising the court, introduces mandatory online publication of contempt of court convictions, and limits costs in judicial review cases unless there are compelling reasons not to.

Fuel Poverty

The bill requires the Secretary of State to develop and implement a costed roadmap to end fuel poverty, promoting energy efficiency measures and microgeneration technologies.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely involve costs associated with implementing the new family group conference procedures, independent investigations into complaints of serious harm, the fuel poverty reduction strategy, and potential adjustments to court processes. Further, the bill introduces requirements for government action which may require significant ongoing government investment.

Groups Affected

This bill will impact various groups:

• Families involved in care proceedings: Will benefit from family group conferences and potentially greater involvement of extended family.
• Children in care: Will gain increased protection through independent investigation of complaints and the designation of "being in care" as a protected characteristic.
• Grandparents and siblings: Will have enhanced rights to participate in court proceedings involving children in their families.
• Family Court participants: Will benefit from greater transparency and support mechanisms, including access to "Friends" and "McKenzie Friends".
• Individuals facing fuel poverty: May receive support through the government's fuel poverty reduction strategy.
• Local authorities and other bodies involved in child welfare: Will face new requirements regarding family group conferences, investigations, and decision-making.
• The Courts and Legal Profession: Will experience changes to court procedures, including the abolition of the offense of scandalising the court.

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