CASS+ has welcomed the announcement by the Justice Secretary David Lammy, of an additional £247 million funding for the crown and magistrates’ courts.
Three-year funding settlement
We welcome the announcement of this extra funding for magistrates’ courts. This is a firm, three-year funding settlement. Ultimately, we hope this will give the justice system the long-term stability that it needs to plan ahead.
More sitting days
Unfortunately, there is a huge backlog and we do need more ‘sitting days’ to enable the courts to operate at maximum capacity. Although the additional funding will help, David Lammy has warned that the backlog could continue to rise even with these new reforms.
Vital repairs and upgrades
So many of the court buildings in Devon and Cornwall need vital repairs and digital upgrades. Most importantly, we need investment in new video infrastructure to expand online hearings.
Blitz courts
On top of this, there will be new ‘Blitz’ courts designed to focus on areas with the most severe backlogs, involving the bundling and rapid listing of similar cases. For instance, we have noticed this trend more recently with the batching of traffic offenses at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
Use of AI
Furthermore, we will see the first pilots of an AI listing tool for the courts.
Prisoner vans
Also, the government plans to expand the scheme that allows prisoner vans to use bus lanes to speed up the arrival of people going through the criminal justice system.
Extra funding for magistrates’ courts welcome
Responding to the announcement about this extra funding, Steve Parker, CEO at CASS+ said:
The government’s proposed reforms, sensible use of AI, and additional backing announced are a step in the right direction. It’s vital that this investment allows more resources to go into the crown and magistrates’ courts.
We do hope that this will reduce the court backlog quickly.
It’s vital that anyone at court facing trauma, substance use, homelessness or poor mental health gets tailored one-to-one support to avoid further contact with the justice system.
Waiting areas can get very full. At times, the need can be overwhelming. From experience, a manageable flow enables us to respond to more people. This is how we can get people the practical advice and emotional support they so urgently need. Ultimately, it’s important that our employees and volunteers speak to as many people as possible. Our aim is to support more clients away from crime towards a more positive future. We work with the courts, ushers, legal advisors, solicitors, probation, social services and charities to get them the support they need.