Recommendation 4

Shortages in the number of district judges and social workers are contributing to delays, and to significant regional differences in timeliness of resolving cases. There are wide variations in durations of cases; for example, in December 2024, the average duration for public law cases was 24 weeks in Wales but 53 weeks in London (for private law, it was 18 weeks and 70 weeks respectively). A major cause for particularly poor performance in London and the South East is that there are too few district judges and social workers in these areas. However, the departments have not systematically assessed what capacity would be required to meet demand at regional level. MoJ and HMCTS have attempted to increase judicial capacity over the last few years, for example by raising the retirement age and improving pension arrangements, but it remains a major ‘pinch point’ in London. HMCTS plans to recruit 80 district judges specifically for London and the South East with a view to addressing these shortages. recommendation In its Treasury Minute response MoJ, together with DfE, HMCTS and Cafcass, should clarify to the Committee: • the capacity required for family courts to meet current demand on a timely basis; and • how, and by when, family justice partners will resolve the workforce shortages in district judges and social workers, including details for locations where shortages are most acute.