Crown Court Backlog 2024-11-05
2024-11-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Crown court backlog stands at 71,000 cases and could rise to 100,000 without urgent action. Some serious offences have seen delays in proceedings.
I am concerned about the Crown court backlog which is currently 71,000 cases with potential to reach 100,000 unless radical steps are taken. Delays include cases involving rape victims. Will the Minister confirm that the measures announced will be sufficient to reduce the backlog to an acceptable level?
Legal aid is essential for justice, but the previous Government left it in poor shape. We are responding to 'Crime Lower' consultation and addressing judicial review on criminal legal aid fees.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not address whether measures will reduce backlog sufficiently
Changed Subject
Referenced Legal Aid Challenges
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Crown courts in Kent will have nearly 3,000 sitting days of the extra funding provided by the government.
Victims deserve swift access to justice. With a record high Crown court backlog left by the Conservatives, does the Minister agree that addressing this is crucial for bringing offenders to justice and restoring public faith?
The previous Government faced a criminal justice system on the brink of collapse, with overflowing prisons and courts under strain. While we cannot fix it overnight, we will do everything to ensure swift justice for victims and restore public faith.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not confirm agreement or provide specifics on measures
Criticised Previous Government
General Principles
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Crown court backlog is exacerbated by the combination of covid and strike action by barristers.
Given the issues with the Crown court backlog, will the Minister outline plans for continuing Nightingale court sittings and improving the number and quality of Crown court judges?
We are operating 18 Nightingale courts across eight locations, continuing to recruit for the judiciary. We criticise the Conservatives for causing backlog issues through past actions.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not outline specific steps for Nightingale court operations or judge recruitment
Criticised Previous Government
General Principles
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Crown court backlog is reported at 71,000 cases with potential to reach 100,000 unless radical steps are taken. Some serious offences have seen delays in proceedings.
Given the current backlog of 71,000 cases and the risk it could hit 100,000 without action, does the Minister believe the measures announced will be sufficient to reduce the Crown court backlog to an acceptable level?
Legal aid is vital for justice, but previous Government left it in dire straits. We are responding to 'Crime Lower' consultation and addressing judicial review on criminal legal aid fees.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not confirm whether measures will reduce backlog sufficiently
Changed Subject
Referenced Legal Aid Challenges
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Cheltenham magistrates court has backlogs, inappropriate facilities, and issues with accessibility for disabled people.
Given the poor state of Cheltenham magistrates court, which has issues like a leaky roof and is not accessible for disabled people, will there be investment in improving local courthouses to ensure justice can proceed?
If the hon. Gentleman writes with specific details about issues at his court, I will raise them with HMCTS. We secured £177 million increase in capital spending for Ministry of Justice last week's Budget.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not confirm investment in Cheltenham specifically
Asked For Follow-Up
Referenced General Budget
Response accuracy