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Launch urgent, comprehensive, root-and-branch review of the County Court by Spring 2026

Recommendation
We recommend an urgent and comprehensive, root-and-branch review of the County Court. This review must be launched by Spring 2026 and encompass recruitment and retention challenges within both the Judiciary and HMCTS, establish a realistic and sustainable plan for future digitisation and capital investment, and explore the future role of artificial intelligence. The overarching goal must be to reduce the systemic delays and inefficiencies entrenched across the County Court. It is not tenable to continue without fundamental reform. (Recommendation, Paragraph 159) 61
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 17 October 2025. Response attribution to this recommendation has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age 1.1 yr
Report published 21 Jul 2025