Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee

Recommendation 42

42 Accepted

Lack of clear plans to address well-established County Court inefficiencies and delays persists

Recommendation
The causes of the inefficiencies and delays in the County Court are well- established, and openly recognised by Ministers and officials, yet it is unclear how HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), together with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice, intends to address them. The recent reviews into both sentencing and the criminal courts, highlight an absence of any attention or commitment to improving the dire situation currently facing the County Court. The Committee found that such problems would 60 be all the greater without the highly commendable efforts of court staff to operate a system that ultimately fails to deliver civil justice. (Conclusion, Paragraph 158)
Government Response Summary
HMCTS is exploring the development of predictive analytical tools, underpinned by machine learning, to support better administration of listing.
Government Response Accepted
HM Government Accepted
Accept. We agree that developing data-informed listing practices can drive productivity improvements. HMCTS is currently exploring how the development of predictive analytical tools, underpinned by machine learning could support better administration of listing (noting that some over-listing is necessary, as set out below).