4
Conclusion
4th Report - Work of the County Court
Rejected
HMCTS must collect and publish data on individual court and tribunal performances to allow for the identification of regional disparities, and support investment planning in reducing County Court delays. The data must include the timeliness of pre-trial stages, rates of settlement and enable HMCTS’ performance to be measured against published …
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HMCTS must collect and publish data on individual court and tribunal performances to allow for the identification of regional disparities, and support investment planning in reducing County Court delays. The data must include the timeliness of pre-trial stages, rates of settlement and enable HMCTS’ performance to be measured against published key performance indicators. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that listing is a judicial function requiring over-listing, and that the better strategic solution is improved, data-informed listing, without committing to collecting or publishing the specific granular court and tribunal performance data requested.
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Ministry of Justice
41
Conclusion
4th Report - Work of the County Court
Rejected
The County Court is the ‘Cinderella service’ of the justice system in England and Wales. It is beset by delays as a result of a failed attempt at digital reform, recruitment and retention issues, and a complex and dysfunctional “patchwork” of outdated paper-based and digital systems. (Conclusion, Paragraph 157)
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The County Court is the ‘Cinderella service’ of the justice system in England and Wales. It is beset by delays as a result of a failed attempt at digital reform, recruitment and retention issues, and a complex and dysfunctional “patchwork” of outdated paper-based and digital systems. (Conclusion, Paragraph 157)
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation for a root and branch review, preferring to focus on practical steps to improve the County Court's operation, highlighting improvements already seen in timeliness, call waiting times, mediation, and case management.
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Ministry of Justice
43
Recommendation
4th Report - Work of the County Court
Rejected
We recommend an urgent and comprehensive, root-and-branch review of the County Court. This review must be launched by Spring 2026 and encompass recruitment and retention challenges within both the Judiciary and HMCTS, establish a realistic and sustainable plan for future digitisation and capital investment, and explore the future role of …
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We recommend an urgent and comprehensive, root-and-branch review of the County Court. This review must be launched by Spring 2026 and encompass recruitment and retention challenges within both the Judiciary and HMCTS, establish a realistic and sustainable plan for future digitisation and capital investment, and explore the future role of artificial intelligence. The overarching goal must be to reduce the systemic delays and inefficiencies entrenched across the County Court. It is not tenable to continue without fundamental reform. (Recommendation, Paragraph 159) 61
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation for a root-and-branch review, stating they prefer to focus on tangible and practical steps already underway to improve County Court operations, such as improved timeliness of claims, call waiting times, and case management systems.
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Ministry of Justice