Criminal Court Backlog Bolton 2022-10-18
2022-10-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the size of the backlog in Bolton, citing concerns over managed decline of legal system.
What recent estimate has been made of the size of the backlog of criminal court cases in Bolton. In Bolton, the backlog stands at 500—more than 10% greater than six months ago and includes 20 rape cases among other serious criminal cases.
The outstanding case load in Bolton was 528 at end of June 2022. We have taken action to deliver swifter access to justice, including £477 million investment into the criminal justice system over next three financial years.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided addressing why the backlog has been allowed to grow by more than 10% in Bolton and legalised criminal activity.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised issues about the backlog in Bolton, specifically mentioning sexual offences.
Why has the Government effectively legalised criminal activity by overseeing managed decline? In Bolton, the backlog includes 20 rape cases among other serious criminal cases.
We have put in measures including Nightingale courts sitting until 2024-25, increasing the cap on sitting days, and raising judges' retirement age. We are also looking at pilots for specialist sexual offences courts but need to consider pros and cons carefully.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why legalised criminal activity or specifically why backlog has grown in Bolton with 20 rape cases included.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP pushed for pilot projects in Leeds, Newcastle and Snaresbrook Crown court for specialist sexual offences courts.
Has the pilot project taken place and what further steps have been taken to ensure that those pilot project results are taken forward?
The pilots in Leeds, Newcastle and Snaresbrook Crown court have taken place. We are considering the matter but need to carefully look at pros and cons of specialist courts for sexual offences.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete details on results or future steps from pilot projects.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP welcomed the engagement with criminal Bar but raised concerns about roll-out of Common Platform preventing staff from doing their jobs effectively and holding up justice.
Will he now do what his managers and predecessors have refused to do and pause the further roll-out of this system until it is fixed?
I reject the argument that Common Platform is responsible for backlog; it increased due to covid and strike action. We have resolved the issue now.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to pausing roll-out of Common Platform.
Rejecting The Argument
Blaming Other Factors
Response accuracy