Watchdog Report: Court Backlog Reduction Target Unattainable
A report by the National Audit Office reveals the UK government's target to reduce the criminal court backlog in England and Wales by 2025 is unattainable. The backlog stands at 67,573 cases, worsened by the barristers' strike and the pandemic. Victims face an average wait time of 22 months for a verdict.
A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed that the target set by the UK government to reduce the criminal court backlog in England and Wales by 2025 is no longer achievable.
The current backlog stands at 67,573 cases, exacerbated by the 2022 barristers' strike and the pandemic.
The NAO disclosed that a pivotal minister-led body did not convene in a two-year span, worsening the situation.
The average wait time for victims to receive a verdict is now 22 months, contributing to the mental strain on victims and increasing the risk of cases collapsing.
Mary Prior KC, vice chair of the Criminal Bar Association, emphasized the shortage of criminal law barristers, which hinders progress.
The justice system also faces additional pressure due to prison overcrowding, with a record 16,000 individuals awaiting trial or sentencing.
The Ministry of Justice contends that efforts are ongoing, including increasing trial days and using Nightingale courts.
The current backlog stands at 67,573 cases, exacerbated by the 2022 barristers' strike and the pandemic.
The NAO disclosed that a pivotal minister-led body did not convene in a two-year span, worsening the situation.
The average wait time for victims to receive a verdict is now 22 months, contributing to the mental strain on victims and increasing the risk of cases collapsing.
Mary Prior KC, vice chair of the Criminal Bar Association, emphasized the shortage of criminal law barristers, which hinders progress.
The justice system also faces additional pressure due to prison overcrowding, with a record 16,000 individuals awaiting trial or sentencing.
The Ministry of Justice contends that efforts are ongoing, including increasing trial days and using Nightingale courts.
