Justice Committee launches inquiry on County Court work

Article summary

The Justice Committee has launched an inquiry into County Court work, after what Chair Sir Bob Neill has described as ‘long-standing concerns’ over its resourcing and capacity. The inquiry will take evidence from a range of sources including claimant and defendant firms, representative bodies, NGOs and Civil Justice minister Lord Bellamy KC. The Committee has launched a call for written evidence to be submitted by 14 December 2023. The call for evidence includes reference to the level, extent of regional variations and effect of delays; how the court engages with litigants in person; accessibility for people with disabilities; the condition of the court estate; the use of technology; the effect of the court reform programme; fees and funding arrangements; judicial capacity; staffing arrangements; causes of action that give rise to County Court claims; the current procedural mechanisms used to resolve disputes; quality of data available on the court; and future reforms.