MP’s call to save court service
North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson, has written to Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw, in a bid to save the Community Advice and Support Service (CASS) based at East Cornwall Magistrates’ Court.
The local MP called in on CASS workers this week to hear about the services they offer, helping defendants get accommodation, employment and training.
Volunteers are able to offer support with debt management and substance abuse. The service has a record of preventing reoffending and estimates that it keeps around 100 people out of prison each year.
Commenting, Mr Rogerson said:
“This service turns people’s lives around and benefits everyone by preventing crime and saving the taxpayer thousands every year.
“Amazingly, they have run on only £10,000 a year but now that funding is under threat.
“I’m calling on the Ministry of Justice to find that money and keep CASS going.
“Putting people in prison for short sentences is notoriously poor at preventing reoffending, and can fracture family life irreparably. It makes no sense at all to ‘economise’ by letting this service collapse.”
Notes to Editors:
1. A picture is attached: Caption: Local MP, Dan Rogerson (centre), visits CASS workers, Lin Walsh (left) and Debbie Mulliss (right) at East Cornwall Magistrates’ Court
