Family Court Reporting

The Children Schools & Families Bill completed its Parliamentary passage last week, in the final “wash-up”, and received Royal Assent before prorogation of Parliament. The sections of the Bill introducing the new regime for reporting family courts were retained.

Following representations from the media, led by the NS, amendments were introduced to ensure that anonymity would be restricted to those directly involved in the proceedings as opposed to anyone merely “referred to” in the proceedings.

The NS remains disappointed that blanket anonymity will apply to all witnesses (other than expert witnesses being paid a fee to give evidence) including professionals such as police, local authority staff, and medical practitioners

A date has yet to be announced for the commencement of the new reporting regime. The NS will issue guidance to its members on the application of the provisions and maximising the new opportunities to report.

The Act contains provisions for a review of the operation of the new regime prior to the introduction of any further relaxation of reporting restrictions. Editorial feedback will therefore be important for future NS lobbying for greater openness.

For further information please contact Sue Oake on sue_oake@newspapersoc.org.uk or 020 763 27463.