Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Court Transcripts 2026-06-30

Tuesday 30 June 2026 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to transparency and access to justice for victims of serious crimes.
  • Eligibility for free transcripts will extend to all victims from spring 2027 via the Sentencing Act 2026.
  • Government is progressing with AI adoption to potentially make transcripts freely available.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells and Mendip Hills
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
Context

The question arises from the issue of high fees charged for court transcripts, which are critical for victims seeking justice.

Question

What steps he is taking to make all court transcripts free for victims. The fees for victims who want to get their transcripts are eye-watering. A constituent in a case of domestic violence needs transcripts immediately but faces thousands of pounds in costs. Will the Minister waive these fees as soon as possible?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

The Government are committed to transparency and access to justice. Victims of sexual offences and bereaved families can already request free sentencing remarks. From spring 2027, eligibility will be extended so that all victims can request transcripts through the Sentencing Act 2026.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about waiving fees as soon as possible and addressing current inequality; the answer only discussed future plans without committing to immediate action or fee waivers.

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Q2 Tessa Munt Lib Dem Wells and Mendip Hills
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The issue of high fees charged for court transcripts is preventing many victims from accessing important documentation needed for justice.

Question

I am keen that this matter progresses quickly. A constituent facing domestic violence needs transcripts now but faces thousands in costs. Will the Minister address this gross inequality and waive these fees as soon as possible?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

I am sorry to hear about the case. Technology in this area is a potential game changer but must be accurate and respect anonymity and reporting restrictions. The Ministry of Justice is progressing with AI adoption which will change things.

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about immediate fee waivers; the answer discussed future technological progress without addressing current costs.

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Q3 Perran Moon Lab Camborne and Redruth
Justice & Courts Women & Equalities
Context

Court transcripts are crucial for a victim's sense of justice, but the current system depends on the ability to pay, which is inequitable.

Question

Does she agree that access to important information should never be dependent on a victim's ability to pay? Court transcripts are vital to ensuring victims feel justice has been served. Does this principle apply here?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

Equality before the law should mean just that. The current approach prioritises victims of serious crimes, and eligibility will extend from spring 2027 through the Sentencing Act 2026. Developments in technology may eventually make transcripts freely available.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked about immediate free access; the answer discussed future plans without committing to current inequality being addressed.

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Q4 Jessica Brown-Fuller Lib Dem Chichester
Justice & Courts
Context

A constituent in a magistrates court case cannot access her transcript due to no recording being made. Campaigns like Open Justice for All push for free transcripts.

Question

Charlotte Meijer, who campaigned for free transcripts, will never have her transcript because her case was heard without recording. Her campaign calls for faster and fairer justice systems. Will the Minister acknowledge that making all court transcripts free and accessible is necessary?

Answer from Sarah Sackman

The hon. Lady is a great advocate in this regard, and I have met Charlotte many times. The Government are committed to audio recording and capital investments to enable it soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked about recognition of the need for free transcripts; the answer discussed existing commitments without acknowledging current inequality or future commitment.

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