Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Crown Court: Reducing the Backlog

Thursday 8 May 2025 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Patrick Hurley questioned the Government about filling the gap in training capacity for new magistrates to better serve justice.
  • Ben Maguire inquired about the Solicitor General's assessment of regional disparities in legal aid provision, especially in rural areas, and their impact on Crown court backlogs.
  • The Government announced a 92 million boost for criminal legal aid solicitors and will introduce free independent legal advisers for victims of adult rape starting that year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Hurley Lab Southport
Justice & Courts
Context

The Ministry of Justice's campaign to recruit more magistrates is stretching the capacity of local training committees to provide sufficient mentors and appraisers for new appointees.

Question

On the topic of backlogs across the justice system, what more can the Government do to fill the gap in training capacity to better serve the interests of justice?

Answer from Lucy Rigby (Solicitor General)

My hon. Friend highlights the vital role that magistrates play in our criminal justice system. It is essential that any new magistrates receive the right level of training, and I am happy to raise the matter he has spoken about with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or funding amounts for addressing the shortage of mentors and appraisers.

How: Will Focus On, Working With Partners

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Q2 Ben Maguire Lib Dem North Cornwall
Justice & Courts Local Government
Context

The Criminal Bar Association reported a significant increase in cases being adjourned due to lack of available prosecuting or defence barristers. Legal aid providers are fewer in number in rural areas like North Cornwall compared to London.

Question

What assessment has the Solicitor General made of how regional disparities in legal aid provision, particularly in rural areas such as my constituency of North Cornwall, are driving Crown court backlogs?

Answer from Lucy Rigby (Solicitor General)

The hon. Member raises an important issue. We have undertaken a comprehensive review of civil legal aid, and we announced a £92 million boost for criminal legal aid solicitors starting this year. Starting this year, we will also be introducing free independent legal advisers for victims of adult rape.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assessment on the impact of regional disparities in legal aid provision driving Crown court backlogs.

How: Under Review, Will Focus On

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