Crown Court Backlog 2024-12-10
2024-12-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a significant Crown court case backlog, with more than 9,000 cases in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland last year.
I am concerned about the Crown court backlog inherited from the Conservatives. This backlog of cases has increased instead of being reduced as promised. With over 9,000 cases backlogged in my region this time last year, will the Minister take action to reduce the backlog and ensure offenders are brought to justice?
The Crown court backlog was dire when we took over. Instead of reducing cases waiting to be heard, it exploded under the Conservatives. We have taken steps such as funding 106,500 Crown court sitting days this year and increasing magistrates' sentencing powers, but more is needed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments to reduce the backlog were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a backlog of over 9,000 cases in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland last year, causing the entire criminal justice system to struggle.
I am campaigning for more police on our streets. However, this court backlog means that justice is being delayed. Last year there were over 9,000 backlogged cases in my region. Will the Minister ensure this chaos is addressed and offenders face justice?
The situation is indeed Conservative court chaos, with demand outpacing actions we can take. We will publish Crown court data later this week and are ready for fundamental reforms necessary to tackle the problem.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or commitments on addressing the backlog were not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A tribunal judge from Taunton and Wellington constituency wrote to the MP, stating that tribunals are being cancelled due to a lack of judges. People are waiting months for their benefit appeals.
The Minister mentioned court chaos. A judge and a court worker in my constituency said there is no shortage of judges but cancellations happen daily because of limits on sitting days. What will the Minister do to increase sitting days in Taunton and Somerset courts?
We are investing in court capacity, recruiting 1,000 judges and tribunal members, and increasing Crown court sitting days. However, simply increasing sitting days is not enough; fundamental reform is necessary to address the backlogs inherited.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions for Taunton and Somerset courts were not detailed
Response accuracy