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House of Commons Justice Committee brands England and Wales County Courts ‘dysfunctional’ and calls for spring 2026 review amid delays, failed digitalisation, paper reliance and dilapidated court estate

Published on: 23 July 2025

Published by a Law360 reporter
Legal News
Article summary

The County Court system is 'dysfunctional' and has 'failed' adequately to deliver civil justice across England and Wales, was concluded in a report by the House of Commons Justice Committee dated 21 July 2025.

Andy Slaughter, who chairs the cross-party committee, stated it is imperative that improving the County Court becomes a key priority for the Ministry of Justice, given the unacceptable delays affecting almost all categories of claims. The Labour Party MP said the inefficiencies and holdups stem from years of underfunding. 'Justice delayed is justice denied', Slaughter observed. The committee urged that a review of the County Court system should commence by spring 2026, describing its condition as dire and demanding urgent attention. It concluded the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has added to the delays. He warned that delays are now increasing across most claim types...

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