Court Cases Backlog 2022-03-22
2022-03-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Public Accounts Committee reported a 400% increase in rape and sexual assault case backlogs during the first year of the pandemic.
What steps are being taken to help reduce the backlog of court cases, especially regarding delays in rape and sexual assault cases which were already over 18 months pre-pandemic?
We sympathise with those whose cases are backlogged and aim to increase capacity across all our courts. Investment in independent sexual violence advisers will increase to £185 million by the end of the spending review.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about supporting greater investment was acknowledged but not directly committed to with a clear pledge or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a significant regional issue in the Black Country with court backlogs.
Will the Minister assure constituents in the Black Country that the £477 million committed by the Government will be regionally allocated and operationalised, perhaps by visiting the Black Country?
The Minister is delighted to visit but emphasizes that the biggest Crown court in the Midlands is Birmingham's and that variations exist, focusing on wider capacity across the country with key measures including increased magistrates' sentencing powers, £477 million funding, and Nightingale courts.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about regional approach was acknowledged but not directly committed to with a clear pledge or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Sheffield magistrates court roof collapsed, delaying cases. Toilet water leaked into a courtroom at Maidstone Crown court.
How many cases have been delayed in total over the past five years due to crumbling courts that the Government failed to fix?
The Minister will write with details and highlights measures such as legislation to increase magistrates' sentencing powers, £477 million funding, increased judicial capacity, recruitment campaigns, and volunteer judiciary expressions of interest over 20,000.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for data on case delays was not directly addressed but acknowledged with a promise to write back later.
Will Write To Him
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Aylesbury Crown court reopened first post-COVID, thanks to Judge Francis Sheridan stepping down.
Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to all court staff in Aylesbury for progress in clearing backlogs, and thank Judge Sheridan for innovation focusing on victims?
The Minister pays tribute to the judiciary, including independent judges, and highlights their role during the pandemic in maintaining justice. The Minister also acknowledges his former magistrate experience regarding probation issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for joint tribute was not addressed directly but instead the response shifted to a general tribute without specifying Aylesbury.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The number of rape and sexual assault cases has increased significantly post-pandemic.
What steps are being taken to increase court capacity, reduce backlogs, and improve waiting times for those who use our courts?
We are expanding physical capacity, introducing new legislation, and ramping up judicial recruitment. The backlog in Crown courts has reduced from approximately 61,000 to 59,000 cases; in magistrates' courts, the case load is close to pre-pandemic levels.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy