Court Backlogs

22 Apr

Question

Court Backlogs

The Parliament question session focused on addressing the critical issue of court backlogs affecting the UK justice system. Zöe Franklin of the Liberal Democrats highlighted that the current government faces inherited backlogs from previous administrations, severely impacting victims and the justice process. Franklin emphasized delays, especially in cases of sexual abuse, where victims frequently endure prolonged waiting periods, magnifying their trauma.

Sarah Sackman responded noting the government's commitment, mentioning 110,000 Crown court sitting days allocated and reassurances of reforms being suggested by Sir Brian Leveson to speed up judicial processes. Sackman acknowledged the psychological toll delays take on victims and vowed government support.

110,000

Number of Crown court sitting days allocated for the next year.

Chris Ward from Labour shared a poignant case about a family's agony due to continuous trial postponements, spotlighting the human cost of delays. Sackman expressed sympathy and reiterated the urgency of reforming the justice system to expedite case resolutions.

Four years

The potential delay period for sexual abuse case trials noted by Zöe Franklin triggered by chronic judge shortages.

The proceeding underscored a governmental focus on reform, emphasizing financial allocation and possible structural reforms.

Outcome

The session reinforced the government’s commitment to reducing court delays, with fresh allocations and a focus on reforming judicial processes. Awaiting Sir Brian Leveson’s report will determine specific future actions.

Key Contributions

Zöe FranklinQuestion Asker

Liberal Democrats

Highlighted inherited court backlogs and their societal impact, citing delays up to four years in serious cases.

Sarah SackmanMinister

Defended government steps taken, including extra financial allocations to tackle the backlog issue.

Chris WardMember of Parliament

Labour

Shared a case about a prolonged murder trial within his constituency, calling for further government scrutiny.

Original Transcript

Zöe Franklin

Guildford

Question

UIN: 903768

12. What steps she is taking to tackle court backlogs.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice

Sarah Sackman

15:02

This Government inherited a record rise in court backlogs. The last Conservative Government let down victims of crime, businesses, workers and families, all through their neglect and under-investment.

This Government are gripping the crisis: to date we have funded a record high allocation of 110,000 Crown court sitting days for next year, and we are, and intend to be, at or close to the maximum in every jurisdiction. We are fixing the last Government’s mess.

Zöe Franklin

15:03

I recently met representatives of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre in my constituency.

They support hundreds of survivors every year through counselling, advice, and carrying out vital prevention work in schools and the wider community, but, as they explained to me, their work is being undermined by a justice system that is in crisis.

Trials are routinely delayed, sometimes for up to four years, owing to a chronic shortage of judges, and as a result some victims are considering dropping their cases—not because they do not want justice, but because they cannot cope with such a traumatic experience. That is a gross injustice.

I am grateful to the Minister for her answer, but will she expand specifically on how the Government will help to prevent re-traumatisation in the court backlog process, and on how they will continue to fund organisations such as RASASC?

Sarah Sackman

15:03

We recognise the traumatic impact of delays in our Crown courts on victims of violence against women and girls and, indeed, victims of all crimes. The best thing we can do for those victims is deliver swifter justice.

We will do that not just by spending extra money—which we have done—but through reform, so we have asked Sir Brian Leveson to propose bold and ambitious measures to deliver the swifter justice for which the hon. Member has asked.

Sarah Sackman

I am desperately sorry to hear about the case that my hon. Friend describes. Once again, the best thing that we can do for those families, to ensure that they get swifter justice and get their day in court in a timely fashion, is bear down on the Crown court backlog.

That is why we are waiting for Sir Brian Leveson to report in the spring, and why we will act promptly on his recommendations.

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