TheCityUK is calling for a comprehensive independent review of the justice system in England and Wales. The aim is to develop a medium to long-term strategy to ensure that the legal system functions effectively and supports the government’s growth mission.
TheCityUK makes clear that the UK’s reputation for rule of law and justice is a key part of what makes it an attractive destination for global investment across all sectors. The proposal highlights the broad recognition that the UK justice system faces a crisis, extending far beyond prisons and criminal law. The situation impacts various government departments, including HM Treasury, the Departments of Business and Trade, Health and Social Care, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Without a strategic review of the sector, TheCityUK suggests that this situation is likely to get worse, impeding efforts across government to deliver growth and improved public services. For example:
- The government’s Employment Rights Bill (ERB) will not bring any meaningful change for workers if they are not able to have their claims adjudicated by the Employment Tribunal which already has a backlog of over 40,000 cases.
- The government’s planning and housing reforms are likely to be stalled if planning and housing disputes are delayed for years in a clogged-up court system.
- The cost to the NHS of medical negligence claims continues to rise, reaching £2.8bn/year in 2024.
The proposed review would develop a medium to long-term strategy for the sector and wider justice system, ensuring it functions properly and supports economic growth despite sustained budgetary pressures. A final report with recommendations on how to significantly improve access to justice and reduce costs in the system would be provided to government.
Miles Celic, OBE, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, said, " The Industry recognises the government’s commitment to the rule of law and its inclusion of the legal sector as a priority in its industrial strategy. However, the crisis in our legal system is more entrenched than is generally understood and is impacting the government’s agenda for growth and public service reform. A strategic review is essential to develop a long-term strategy that ensures access to justice and reduces costs in the system.”
The proposed review would be led by a senior individual with legal sector experience and supported by a panel of experts from the judiciary and other legal sector stakeholders. The review would also consider the role of technology and AI in the courts, how to reduce costs for lower and medium-value cases, and how to improve the quality, speed, and access to justice more widely.
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