Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Court Case Backlogs

Tuesday 14 May 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government remains committed to reducing case backlogs in criminal and civil courts.
  • Local magistrates courts have lower case loads now compared to the pandemic period but face continued pressure.
  • Virtual hearings have been introduced as default for bail applications and a Bill will amend legislation to allow remote hearings in appropriate cases.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Justice & Courts
Context

Carmichael asked about the potential impacts of case backlogs in criminal and civil courts.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies due to the case backlog in criminal and civil courts?

Answer from Alex Chalk

We remain committed to reducing outstanding case loads. We have extended Nightingale courtrooms, allocated £220 million for modernisation and repair, and funded unlimited sitting days including 107,700 in the recent financial year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of policy implications due to backlogs

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Justice & Courts
Context

Carmichael questioned the acceptability of a backlog of 1,954 criminal cases in local magistrates courts.

Question

What would the Secretary say to Members whose local magistrates court had 1,954 criminal cases waiting at the end of December 2023? Is such a backlog acceptable?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Case loads in magistrates courts are lower than during the pandemic, but there's pressure in Crown courts. We will invest more resources: Nightingale courts, judges, legal aid to recover the system while holding fast to principles.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acceptability of 1,954 case backlog in magistrates court

How: Scotland'S Snp Government Stance On Jury Trials

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Q3 Shailesh Vara Con
Justice & Courts Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Vara asked about the progress of virtual court hearings introduced during his tenure.

Question

Will the Lord Chancellor update the House on the progress of virtual hearings for cases?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Virtual hearings were introduced effectively. Remote hearings are now default for bail applications, and a Bill will amend legislation to allow remote hearing in appropriate cases.

Answered
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