Criminal Courts Backlog 2023-09-12
2023-09-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about steps to address the backlog in criminal courts.
What steps his Department is taking to reduce the backlog of criminal court cases?
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and we remain committed to working with our partners across the criminal justice system to try to ensure that court processes are as efficient as possible. We have introduced a raft of measures including allowing courts for a third year in a row to sit for an unlimited number of days, with extended use of 24 Nightingale courtrooms. In addition, we have opened two permanent super-courtrooms in Manchester and Loughborough and are recruiting an additional 1,000 judges across all jurisdictions.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to clear backlog were not mentioned
We Remain Committed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the stubbornly high criminal court case backlog in Suffolk.
In Suffolk, the backlog of criminal court cases remains stubbornly high. Can my hon. Friend produce a comprehensive and bespoke plan that first clears the backlog, and then sets out a long-term strategy for the efficient functioning of courts in the county?
I can reassure my hon. Friend that disposals to March 2023 were up by 23% on the previous quarter, while outstanding case loads slightly reduced in the same period. We continue to work with the judiciary and local criminal justice board to ensure best practice is followed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan or long-term strategy was not provided
We Continue To Work
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about joint enterprise cases in the criminal justice system.
Is the Minister aware of joint enterprise cases in criminal courts? Will he and the Justice team meet me and JENGbA to clear the justice system of people who should never have been in court?
The hon. Gentleman has campaigned on this issue for some time, I met his colleague to discuss it. The Crown Prosecution is now doing an exercise on better data collection to see if there are any injustices and what action might be taken.
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Assessment & feedback
Promise to meet was not made
Data Collection
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about security guards voting for strike action over pay offer.
Now, 500 security guards have voted for strike action after a pay offer worth just 38p an hour above the minimum wage. Will the Minister intervene to stop further chaos in our courts?
Our courts are not in chaos, all elements of the criminal justice system continue to work smoothly despite challenging circumstances. The pay award is a matter for the private sector employer; I will not intervene.
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Assessment & feedback
Intervention was not promised
Private Sector Employer
Response accuracy