TWO cafes serving Bradford’s courts are at risk of closure leading to job losses.

Staff at both cafes are battling to save what is a much-needed service, in particular giving employment training to people with special needs.

Run at the Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court and the Combined Crown/County Court in Bradford, the cafes were established as social enterprises and serve a valuable purpose providing training to students from the local college, the Home Farm Trust and WorkFit.

The cafes, which have charitable status, are facing severe financial difficulty and staff are at risk of losing their jobs within six months.

The cafes were born out of the Bradford Court Chaplaincy Service (BCCS), an independent, multi-faith team offering free practical, pastoral support to all court users.

Called SPLATS and SPLATS 2 - meaning Special People, Learning, Assessment, Training and Support - they were set up by former magistrates Beryl Eakin and Mary Carroll after national cuts forced the closure of canteens at Bradford Crown Court and Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court in 2015.

Both cafes provide much-needed refreshments for court users - defendants, witnesses, jurors, barristers, solicitors and visitors.

Staff have written to local MPs to point out that two crucial issues: footfall, which has reduced considerably, and the requirement to pay VAT. They have asked them to approach the Ministry of Justice about receiving a subsidy, which they know some other courts currently receive. They also would like the VAT threshold to be raised for small charities. At present the cafes have to pay around £12,000 annually. “For a small charity this is onerous and threatens the existence of the charity, the cafes and services to the public,” said Beryl.

Regarding footfall, concerns have been raised with HMCTS and the MoJ about changed listing practices which have impacted negatively on the service. Staff are keen to encourage more people to use the cafes. “We cannot advertise, but want people to know that they are open to the public,” added Beryl. They would also like to attract sponsorship.

The café at Bradford Combined Courts Centre opened in December 2017. It employs two qualified members of staff, several volunteers and trainees. The café at the Magistrates’ Court opened in November 2018 and is staffed similarly.

“It serves all parts of the Court building, and is particularly valued by jurors, who are otherwise unable to exit the building,” said Beryl. “Both cafés have been warmly welcomed by the court communities they serve and the public. Feedback has generally been excellent.”

Keith Blackwell, a partner in Blackwells Solicitors in Keighley, uses the café at Bradford Magistrates’ Court regularly. “It is very important to all court users,” he said. “Cases can overrun and often you have not got time to go out to buy lunch.” Also people may not want to go out into the town centre in rain or snow.”

He added: “Not only is the food good, prices reasonable and staff excellent, it is a place where you can relax and talk to colleagues.”

The cafes raise funds for BCCS, which provides a free, confidential service supporting those attending court.

The security requirement that they do not use metal cutlery at either court site means they are obliged to use paper plates and cups, making it difficult to reduce expenditure because of the high costs of all disposables, especially those which are environmentally friendly.

They would welcome any help. If you are able to donate to secure their future. Contact BCCS (Cafes), c/o Bradford Magistrates’ Court, The Tyrls, Bradford, BD1 1LA. Or email: info@bradfordcourtchaplaincy.co.uk