Maximum fines available to magistrates will rise significantly under new proposals announced today.

People who break the law should be properly punished – and financial penalties set at the right level can be an effective way of dealing with criminals and deterring them from further offending.

That’s why Conservatives want to bring in these changes. Magistrates are the cornerstone of our justice system and these reforms will give them greater powers to deal with day to day offences in the community.

A fair and effective justice system is at the heart of the Britain we want to build – a country on the side of people who work hard and play by the rules.