Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Crown Court Case Backlog

Tuesday 9 January 2024 · 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

  • Minister committed to reducing Crown court backlog through funding and recruiting judges.
  • Latest data shows gap between charge and first listing has fallen to 31 days.
  • Measures include unlimited sitting days, investment in courts, and building new courtrooms.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Giles Watling Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The question pertains to the increasing backlog of cases in the Crown court, causing concern among those involved.

Question

What steps he is taking to reduce the backlog of cases in the Crown court. In light of significant delays and a rising caseload, what specific measures are being implemented?

Answer from Mike Freer

We remain committed to reducing the outstanding caseload in the Crown court and have introduced a range of measures, including funding over 100,000 sitting days in the last financial year with plans for similar this year. We expect to recruit more than 1,000 judges across all jurisdictions due to our investment in judicial recruitment. Additionally, we are investing over £220 million over the next two years not only for maintenance but also to ensure that fewer courts are taken out of action.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timelines for reducing the backlog

How: We Remain Committed, Range Of Measures

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Q2 Eddie Hughes Con
Justice & Courts
Context

Police officers are frustrated by delays in prosecuting shoplifting cases, leading to an inquiry from the MP.

Question

I am reassured by that answer, but can I press the Minister on other delays in the justice system? Police officers have reported frustration over delays between arrest and prosecution for multiple offences of shoplifting. What reassurance can you offer them?

Answer from Mike Freer

It is a concern that some police officers remain concerned, but the latest data shows that the gap between charge and first listing has fallen by two days to 31 days. I am willing to meet my hon. Friend to discuss local issues causing delays. Magistrates dealing with shoplifting cases are efficient in listing clear cases rapidly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific reassurances about reducing delays

How: It Is A Concern, I Am Willing To Meet

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Q3 Giles Watling Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The Post Office scandal has raised concerns about the independence of public prosecutions, particularly in relation to clearing backlogs.

Question

In light of the Post Office scandal, does my hon. Friend agree that it is imperative to clear the backlog as quickly as possible because deaths are involved? Should we enable the Justice Secretary to strip the Post Office of its powers to independently prosecute?

Answer from Mike Freer

My hon. Friend raises a good point, acknowledging that swift delivery of justice is vital. We are doing all we can to ensure cases are heard more swiftly, working on clearing names of postmasters quickly and considering findings from Sir Wyn Williams's inquiry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to stripping the Post Office of prosecution powers

How: My Hon. Friend Raises A Good Point, We Are Doing All We Can

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Q4 Alex Cunningham Lab
Justice & Courts
Context

The latest criminal court statistics show a Crown court backlog of 66,547 cases, breaking records. The MP asks about expectations for future figures.

Question

The latest criminal court statistics show a Crown court backlog of 66,547 cases, once again breaking records. With the next quarter having just ended, does the Minister expect these figures to break records again?

Answer from Mike Freer

Additional measures include unlimited sitting days, recruitment of judges, investment in courts for resilience, and extending Nightingale courts. We are building 58 new court rooms to ensure capacity. I have not seen the figures on the backlog but our courts and judiciary work flat out with disposals up.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific reassurances about preventing future record-breaking backlogs

How: We Are Building 58 New Court Rooms, I Have Not Seen The Figures

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