In response to Sir Brian Leveson's Independent Review of the
Criminal Courts, the Lord Chancellor has said the following...
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary said:
“This Government inherited a justice system in crisis. The court
backlog was at record levels and rising, and victims were paying
the price – waiting years to see their offender brought to
justice.
“I have already lifted courts funding to record levels, funding
4,000 more court sitting days than under my predecessors.
“But swifter justice requires bold reform, and that is what I
asked Sir Brian Leveson to propose.
“Today, I welcome this report and thank Sir Brian for his work.
We will now consider all his recommendations and will respond, in
full, ahead of legislating in the Autumn.
“As part of our Plan for Change, I will do whatever it takes
to bring down the backlog and deliver swifter justice for
victims.”
Guidance:
- This year, the Government is funding a record allocation of
Crown Court sitting days to deliver swifter justice for victims –
110,000 sitting days this year, 4,000 higher than the last
Government funded.
- The Government has also announced record investment in the
courts - up to £450m additional funding per year by 2028-29.
- We have also extended magistrates' court sentencing powers
from six to 12 months, freeing up to 2,000 sitting days in the
Crown Court to handle the most serious cases.
