Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Sarah Green (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Sarah Sackman (Labour) on Friday, 4 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Magistrates: Retirement

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of the compulsory retirement age on the retention of experienced magistrates, and whether Ministers have considered alternatives such as regular competency assessments for those who wish to continue sitting beyond 75.

Answer

The mandatory retirement age for judicial office holders, including magistrates was increased from 70 to 75 in March 2022. 797 magistrates aged 70 or over were reinstated as a result of the policy change, and as of 1 April 2026 1,933 magistrates in post were aged 70 or over.

There are no plans to replace the mandatory retirement age with regular competency assessments for magistrates aged over 75. A fixed retirement age supports judicial independence and public confidence in the judiciary by avoiding the need for individual assessments of the health or competency of judicial office holders.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26179
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Age Magistrates Retirement
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk