The Government is asking for views over plans for a super courts committee for London.It is planning the merge the existing twenty two magistrates courts committees in the capital - which run the lowest tier courts - into one Greater London Magistrates’ Courts Authority (GLMCA) on 1st April 2001.
The aims of the merger are improved efficiency, fewer delays and improved co-ordination. 

More detail is emerging on the delicate path the Government has walked to try to please all over its proposed ‘beacon council’ programme.Its proposals, which are posted on the web at www.detr.gov.uk and are now being consulted on, retain kudos for the small number of authorities which will achieve beacon status. But they also put money into best practice so that all councils are involved in learning about how such an award is achieved.