The Civil Justice Statistics Quarterly figures, published recently, show that small claims in the county courts are taking more than a year, 54 weeks on average, to go to trial, this is an increase of 30 weeks since 2010.

More complex, high value claims are taking 80 weeks on average; more than a year and a half to reach trial.

The figures further show that courts in London and the South East have longer waiting times as compared to the rest of England and Wales. 

This is despite a decrease of about 7% in the number of county court claims between January and March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Law Society President, Nick Emerson was quoted in the Law Gazette stating that Law Society research has found that 47% of court users experienced a case delay or adjournment in the last 12 months and that courts have been hindered by leaking roofs and toilets, chairs held together by gaffer tape, exposed wiring and a lack of heating and air conditioning. 

He further stated that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete has also been found in at least 8 courts including Doncaster and Blackpool County Court which has forced them to close adding additional pressure to neighbouring courts who have to pick up the slack.

Nick Emmerson notes that delays can result in litigants dropping their claims rather than putting in more time and money into them, meaning many more not accessing justice, further stating,  ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’