Written question WQ82893

The Welsh Government and Public Health Wales worked closely with the legal system to facilitate the rapid re-opening of Crown Courts in Wales, which outpaced the reopening of Crown Courts in England, and so ensured that, as far as possible, the adverse impacts of the coronavirus pandemic were reduced. However, we remain particularly concerned that the legal sector in Wales, which was struggling before the pandemic, and which has long had to cope with unviable legal aid fees, is becoming increasingly fragile due to the reduced number of cases progressing through the system.

The pandemic has increased the untenable backlog of court cases in the entire justice system, particularly in the Crown Court, although it is important to keep in mind that the backlog significantly pre-dates the pandemic and is ultimately a consequence of the UK Government’s long term underfunding of the justice system – as recognised by the Commission on Justice in Wales. This has significant consequences in securing justice for victims of serious crime, in identifying those at most risk of future offending, and in ensuring that justice is served. It has a detrimental impact for victims, witnesses, for enforcement and prosecution agencies and for all who work in the sector. The Welsh Government raises these issues with the Ministry of Justice at every opportunity, and holds regular discussions with Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service.