Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Crown Court Backlog

Tuesday 5 November 2024 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed concerns over the Crown court backlog of 71,000 cases.
  • Labour MPs expressed worry about delays affecting rape cases and the impact on public faith in justice.
  • Minister acknowledged the need to address the backlog through measures like Nightingale courts and recruitment of judges.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Warinder Juss Lab Wolverhampton West
Justice & Courts
Context

The Crown court backlog stands at 71,000 cases and could rise to 100,000 without urgent action. Some serious offences have seen delays in proceedings.

Question

I am concerned about the Crown court backlog which is currently 71,000 cases with potential to reach 100,000 unless radical steps are taken. Delays include cases involving rape victims. Will the Minister confirm that the measures announced will be sufficient to reduce the backlog to an acceptable level?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

Legal aid is essential for justice, but the previous Government left it in poor shape. We are responding to 'Crime Lower' consultation and addressing judicial review on criminal legal aid fees.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not address whether measures will reduce backlog sufficiently

How: Changed Subject, Referenced Legal Aid Challenges

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Q2 Sojan Joseph Lab Ashford
Justice & Courts
Context

The Crown courts in Kent will have nearly 3,000 sitting days of the extra funding provided by the government.

Question

Victims deserve swift access to justice. With a record high Crown court backlog left by the Conservatives, does the Minister agree that addressing this is crucial for bringing offenders to justice and restoring public faith?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

The previous Government faced a criminal justice system on the brink of collapse, with overflowing prisons and courts under strain. While we cannot fix it overnight, we will do everything to ensure swift justice for victims and restore public faith.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not confirm agreement or provide specifics on measures

How: Criticised Previous Government, General Principles

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Q3 Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater
Justice & Courts
Context

The Crown court backlog is exacerbated by the combination of covid and strike action by barristers.

Question

Given the issues with the Crown court backlog, will the Minister outline plans for continuing Nightingale court sittings and improving the number and quality of Crown court judges?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

We are operating 18 Nightingale courts across eight locations, continuing to recruit for the judiciary. We criticise the Conservatives for causing backlog issues through past actions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not outline specific steps for Nightingale court operations or judge recruitment

How: Criticised Previous Government, General Principles

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Q4 Warinder Juss Lab Wolverhampton West
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The Crown court backlog is reported at 71,000 cases with potential to reach 100,000 unless radical steps are taken. Some serious offences have seen delays in proceedings.

Question

Given the current backlog of 71,000 cases and the risk it could hit 100,000 without action, does the Minister believe the measures announced will be sufficient to reduce the Crown court backlog to an acceptable level?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

Legal aid is vital for justice, but previous Government left it in dire straits. We are responding to 'Crime Lower' consultation and addressing judicial review on criminal legal aid fees.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not confirm whether measures will reduce backlog sufficiently

How: Changed Subject, Referenced Legal Aid Challenges

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Q5 Max Wilkinson Lib Dem Cheltenham
Justice & Courts Local Government
Context

The Cheltenham magistrates court has backlogs, inappropriate facilities, and issues with accessibility for disabled people.

Question

Given the poor state of Cheltenham magistrates court, which has issues like a leaky roof and is not accessible for disabled people, will there be investment in improving local courthouses to ensure justice can proceed?

Answer from Heidi Alexander

If the hon. Gentleman writes with specific details about issues at his court, I will raise them with HMCTS. We secured £177 million increase in capital spending for Ministry of Justice last week's Budget.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not confirm investment in Cheltenham specifically

How: Asked For Follow-Up, Referenced General Budget

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