Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Backlog of Criminal Court Cases

Tuesday 10 January 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial responses indicated backlogs of 1,259 to 1,271 cases in Crown courts for Stockport at the end of June 2022.
  • The common platform system, aimed at replacing outdated legacy systems, is experiencing teething problems according to staff the Minister has spoken with.
  • The Government is concerned about ensuring appropriate payment for all elements in the criminal justice system to maintain its smooth operation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP inquired about the backlog of criminal cases in their constituency, citing concerns over delays and efficiency.

Question

I am concerned that there has been an increase in backlogs of cases in Crown courts. What recent estimate does he have of the size of the backlog of criminal court cases in my Stockport constituency?

Answer from Mike Freer

The outstanding case load in Crown courts was 1,598 in Newcastle upon Tyne at end of June 2022. In Birmingham and Manchester it was 1,748 and between 1,259 and 1,271 respectively. We are taking action to improve waiting times for those who use our courts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked specifically about the backlog in Stockport constituency, but no statistics or figures were provided for Stockport.

How: Changed Subject

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Q2 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The MP inquired about the impact of a £300 million IT system, which staff have claimed is driving them to despair. The system was criticized for being unfit for purpose.

Question

I have heard from workers at my local court that the common platform system is driving them to despair and judges have said it's not fit for purpose. Can the Minister confirm what cost-benefit analysis was done before making drastic changes? What is being done to tackle flaws in the system?

Answer from Mike Freer

Firstly, I do not accept characterisation of common platform. The hon. Lady forgets about legacy systems that were collapsing and needed replacement. Staff I have spoken with accept while all IT rollouts have teething problems it is a worthwhile programme delivering benefits. If the hon. Lady would like full implementation and benefits laid out in business case, I can share what I can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for cost-benefit analysis details which were not provided specifically.

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 Bob Neill Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP highlighted a concern over the availability of prosecution counsel due to unequal funding, affecting the equality of arms principle.

Question

Every Crown court is affected by backlogs, rising to crisis proportions. The Government resolved the issue of defence counsel availability but now the problem is repeated unavailability of prosecution counsel. Since our system requires equality of arms between prosecution and defence—barristers of equal seniority—is it important that the Secretary of State and his junior Minister support Attorney General in getting increased funding from Treasury for equivalent prosecution fees?

Answer from Mike Freer

My hon. Friend raises important point, and I share his concern about ensuring all elements in criminal justice system are paid appropriately for their efforts. We continue debate on how we can invest in whole system so it runs smoothly for all involved, especially victims. Happy to discuss details with my hon. Friend next week in Justice Committee.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked specifically about supporting increased funding from the Treasury but no commitment was given.

How: Changed Subject

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Q4 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The MP criticized the Government for not following their own review recommendations, which have worsened the courts backlog. He inquired about steps taken by the Government.

Question

While Lord Chancellor is busy scrapping Human Rights Act 1998, the criminal justice system is on its knees. Numbers of duty solicitors and criminal legal aid firms continue to fall at an alarming rate, yet Government refuse to follow recommendations of own review of criminal legal aid which has worsened court backlog. What steps are being taken by Government to improve staff recruitment and retention?

Answer from Mike Freer

I am very happy that hon. Gentleman and I are meeting later today when we can have more detailed conversation, but Bellamy report which he alluded to has been implemented. Some elements we still want to work on to avoid any perverse incentives, but investment this Government made in criminal justice system of £138 million will bring stability.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for specific steps addressing staff recruitment and retention which were not detailed explicitly.

How: Changed Subject

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