Courts System Funding 2025-11-11
2025-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP visited Poole Magistrates Court and observed a shortage of legal advisers rather than magistrates or court space. She noted that additional funding for one extra legal adviser could progress 500 cases annually but retention is an issue.
What steps are being taken to provide adequate funding for the courts system, particularly addressing the shortage of legal advisers which would allow for the progression of 500 cases a year? The court staff explained that they cannot retain these advisers due to lack of funding.
Legal advisers are critical to the functioning of the magistrates court, and we are investing an additional £5.2 million in addressing retention challenges to retain these staff members who facilitate 500 cases annually.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlights issues uncovered by the Public Accounts Committee regarding problems with court buildings, IT systems, Probation Service, indicating significant difficulties within the courts system.
How long does it take this Government to clear up the mess that the last Government left? The previous government's failure led to a justice system lacking adequate funding and facing issues such as poor infrastructure and inefficient IT systems.
This Government is committed to restoring public confidence in the justice system, and through the spending review, an additional £450 million has been pledged towards improving court infrastructure and human resources to address these challenges.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy