Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted in Part
Remand population has surged to a 50-year high, with many exceeding custody time limits.
Conclusion
The remand population has grown sharply in recent years. The number of people on remand in September 2024 was 17,600, 20% of the prison population, the highest level in 50 years, up from 9,602 (11% of the prison population) in 2019.35 HMCTS was unable to provide up–to–date information on the number of people on remand beyond their custody time limits, with HMCTS saying current data on this was “not fantastic”.36 The NAO report found that as of 30 September 2022, 32% of the remand population had been held on remand beyond the custody time limit of 6 months, and 5% had been on remand for more than two years, which is particularly concerning when some defendants will be found not guilty.37 The NAO’s 30 CCB0005 31 CCB0005 32 CCB0006 33 CCB0009 34 Qq 41, 42, 46 35 Q 47 36 Qq 48–49 37 Q 50; C&AG’s Report, para 3.14 14 report found that in 2022, 35% of those remanded in custody awaiting trial did not ultimately receive a custodial sentence, including 13% who were acquitted entirely.38
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee's concerns, stating they will continue discussions with the Lord Chief Justice to prioritise remand cases, especially the oldest. They are exploring initiatives to address time spent on remand and commit to developing improved data systems for remand by April 2027, while noting existing actions should help expedite cases and further steps will be considered post-review.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2025 4.2 Judges are responsible for listing, and remand cases are being prioritised by judges in line with legislative requirements. The government is working hard to enhance the capacity of the criminal justice system to dispose of cases more efficiently, and to that end it has commissioned independent reviews which will report shortly. In light of those reports, the Lord Chancellor will continue to discuss with the Lord Chief Justice the importance of doing all we can, together with CJS partners, to expedite and appropriately prioritise the hearing of remand cases, with particular focus on the oldest cases. 4.3 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2027 4.4 The MoJ is currently exploring several initiatives to address the question of time spent on remand. Based on current proposals, the MoJ anticipate being able to develop improved insights on time spent on remand by the end of March 2026. Any further work to understand the impact and outcomes of this will take additional time beyond that date. Once this data development is complete, MoJ will aim to include them in the relevant publication by April 2027. 4.5 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2025 4.6 There is a close relationship between the outstanding caseload and the prison remand population. While the listing of cases is a matter for the independent judiciary, custody time limits mean that there is a statutory obligation to prioritise the hearing of remand cases. Listing data shows that these cases are being prioritised. 4.7 MoJ’s existing action to reduce the outstanding caseload – including extending magistrates’ court sentencing powers, increasing Crown Court sitting days, and the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts – should help expedite the trials and sentencing of those held on remand. 4.8 MoJ will consider further steps when it receives the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts’ recommendations.