Small claims matters are taking more than a year to reach trial in the county court, new data has revealed. Leaking roofs and toilets across the crumbling court estate is partly to blame for the delays, the Law Society said.

The time it takes for small claims cases to go to trial has risen by 30 weeks since 2010, despite there being 2,000 fewer cases than 14 years ago, figures published in Civil Justice Statistics Quarterly from January to March 2024, according to the Society.

For more complex, higher value cases, it now takes more than a year and a half (80 weeks) to reach trial.  

Society president Nick Emmerson said: 'We know that delays can result in litigants dropping their claims, rather than put more time and money into them, meaning many are not accessing justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. These shocking figures lay bare the crisis at the heart of our justice system.

‘We urge the next UK government to commission and publish new research surveying their experiences, why they are unrepresented, what their experience of the court process was, how it could be improved and whether they feel justice was done in their case.’

Emmerson added: ‘Law Society research has found that 47 per cent of court users experienced a case delay and adjournment in the preceding 12 months and 28 per cent said the courts estate was not fit for purpose.

‘The court estate is mired by leaking roofs, toilets, chairs held together by gaffer tape, exposed wiring and a lack of heating and air conditioning. Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has also been found in at least eight courts, including Doncaster Justice Centre North and Blackpool County Court, meaning they were forced to close. 

‘This adds pressure to the surrounding courts who pick up the slack and creates extensive disruption to litigants, practitioners and court staff.'

 

This article is now closed for comment.