The criminal justice system is overstretched and ‘close to breaking point’, according to a new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The PAC concluded that the system is letting down witnesses and victims due to delays and inefficiencies. The report highlights wide variations across the country, saying that victims face a ‘postcode lottery’ in their access to justice.
It suggests that costs are ‘being shunted from one part of the system to another’ and warns that the Ministry of Justice ‘has been too slow to recognise where the system is under stress, and to take action to deal with it’.
The PAC also raised concerns regarding greater devolution of responsibility for criminal justice, suggesting that it could risk adding more complexity to an ‘already fragmented’ system.
Meg Hillier, chair of the PAC, said: “The system is overstretched and disjointed. Victims of crime are entitled to justice yet they are at the mercy of a postcode lottery for access to that justice.
“About two-thirds of Crown Court trials are delayed or do not go ahead at all and only 55 per cent of those who have been a witness say they would be prepared to do so again. These are damning statistics.
“The government has dragged its heels in addressing these problems. The Ministry is now seeking to reform the system but there is more action it can take immediately to benefit struggling regions, and therefore taxpayers.”
The government has announced new emergency measures to tackle the current housebuilding crisis in London and unlock tens of thousands of homes.
The Chancellor has appointed growth and productivity expert Dr Anna Valero as an Industrial Strategy advisor.
The Chancellor has announced a £500 million investment package to deliver growth in the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and cement its status as
New data from Ordnance Survey (OS) will be used to support safe walking across Great Britain.
The government has announced new financial penalties for water companies who commit environmental offences.
Grantex is the UK’s leading supplier of specialist aggregates and producer of Premium Dried Sports Sand for High-Performance Synthetic Pitches.
Creating and maintaining an outstanding synthetic pitch starts with the right foundation. Grantex premium dried silica sand is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, durability and safety across a range of synthetic sports surfaces.
Join us for the landmark 10th Anniversary of the London Build Expo, the UK’s largest and most influential construction and design show.
Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo returns to Excel London across 12-13 November, once again bringing together the world of logistics, supply chain, eCommerce and retail innovation for two dynamic days of opportunity.
Every sport, from grassroots football to world-class tournaments, depends on one constant: high-quality playing surfaces and well-maintained green spaces.
Bauder marked a major milestone in its UK expansion with the official handover of a brand
At Words of World, we specialise in professional translation and interpreting, d
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) have successfully completed a groundbreaking project aimed at exploring the future of cleaning. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the cleaning industry, reflecting a shared commitment to embracing innovation with confidence.
The Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) new framework on Language Services (RM6302), dealing with translation, transcription and interpreting, is live, running from 7th May 2025 to 6th May 2028.
