Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Court Recovery Update

03 March 2022 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk

Justice & Courts

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Government is extending 13 Nightingale courts from March 2022, adding 30 extra courtrooms.
  • This decision aims to tackle case backlogs and secure faster justice for victims.
  • Other measures to increase capacity and reduce delays in the courts are also outlined.

Issue summary

The statement provides an update on the continued use of Nightingale court venues post-pandemic.

Action requested

The Government is extending 13 Nightingale courts from March 2022, equating to 30 extra courtrooms. This decision is based on operational need and venue availability, and will help tackle case backlogs and secure faster justice for victims. Additionally, the statement outlines other measures taken to increase capacity and reduce delays in the courts.

Key facts

  • The Crown court backlog fell by over 2,000 cases since June 2021.
  • The magistrates' courts outstanding criminal caseload dropped by almost 70,000 cases since July 2021.
  • 30 extra courtrooms will be provided through the extension of Nightingale courts from March 2022.
  • Nightingale courts at Middlesbrough, Manchester, Liverpool, and other locations will end as planned in March or early April 2022.
  • HMCTS plans to recruit a further 1,100 judges in 2022/23 alongside around 1,000 recruited during the current financial year.
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