*/
The government’s £1.2bn court modernisation programme faces a ‘daunting challenge’, its spending watchdog has warned.
A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) said the ‘ambitious reform programme’, which was already behind schedule and had been scaled back, was unlikely to achieve all of its aims in its extended timetable.
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) estimates there will be a funding shortfall of £61m, assuming that the Treasury agrees that all previous years’ underspends can be carried forward. Without this agreement, the funding gap could be £177m.
The change programme to introduce new technology and working practices to reform and upgrade the justice system began in 2016. By March 2023, HMCTS expects to employ 5,000 fewer staff, hold 2.4 million fewer cases in physical courtrooms per year and reduce annual spending by £265m.
The timetable to complete the reforms has been extended from four to six years, but the NAO said that ‘delivering the reforms successfully remains extremely challenging’ and warned that ‘there is a significant risk that HMCTS will not be able to achieve all it wants within the time available’.
Sir Amyas Morse, the head of the NAO said: ‘Modernising the justice system is an ambitious challenge. HMCTS has improved its approach, but overall it is behind where it expected to be and significant risks remain.’
The government’s £1.2bn court modernisation programme faces a ‘daunting challenge’, its spending watchdog has warned.
A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) said the ‘ambitious reform programme’, which was already behind schedule and had been scaled back, was unlikely to achieve all of its aims in its extended timetable.
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) estimates there will be a funding shortfall of £61m, assuming that the Treasury agrees that all previous years’ underspends can be carried forward. Without this agreement, the funding gap could be £177m.
The change programme to introduce new technology and working practices to reform and upgrade the justice system began in 2016. By March 2023, HMCTS expects to employ 5,000 fewer staff, hold 2.4 million fewer cases in physical courtrooms per year and reduce annual spending by £265m.
The timetable to complete the reforms has been extended from four to six years, but the NAO said that ‘delivering the reforms successfully remains extremely challenging’ and warned that ‘there is a significant risk that HMCTS will not be able to achieve all it wants within the time available’.
Sir Amyas Morse, the head of the NAO said: ‘Modernising the justice system is an ambitious challenge. HMCTS has improved its approach, but overall it is behind where it expected to be and significant risks remain.’
Efforts continue on gender equality, support for the Bar, meaningful reform for the sector and advocating for the rule of law
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Once you submit your silk application, what happens next? Sir Paul Morgan explains each stage of the process and reflects on his experience as a member of the KC Selection Panel
