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Written question asked by Virendra Sharma (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 February 2024 (named day). It was answered by Mike Freer (Conservative) on Monday, 19 February 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


County Courts

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the timely hearing of cases in county courts.

Answer

We are taking action to ensure those that do need to go to trial are dealt with quickly. We have launched the biggest ever judicial recruitment drive for District Judges, are digitising court processes and holding more remote hearings, and are increasing the use of mediation. HMCTS’ Virtual Region pilot provides targeted support to the South East and London Regions to hear cases remotely where there is judicial resource available elsewhere in England and Wales.

We announced in July that we would introduce a requirement for small claims in the county court to attend a mediation session with the Small Claims Mediation Service, starting with specified money claims. This requirement will start in the spring and is expected to help parties resolve their dispute swiftly and consensually without the need for a judicial hearing.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13277
Session
2023-24
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Subjects
County courts Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk