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County Court functions as a 'Cinderella service' facing systemic delays and reform failures
Conclusion
The County Court is the ‘Cinderella service’ of the justice system in England and Wales. It is beset by delays as a result of a failed attempt at digital reform, recruitment and retention issues, and a complex and dysfunctional “patchwork” of outdated paper-based and digital systems. (Conclusion, Paragraph 157)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 17 October 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.
Source
Committee
Justice Committee
Inquiry
Work of the County Court
Report
4th Report - Work of the County Court
21 Jul 2025
HC 677
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age
1.1 yr
Report published
21 Jul 2025