The Commons Justice Committee has called for an urgent review of the 'dysfunctional' county courts system, which is plagued by systemic delays and inefficiencies in civil justice proceedings.

Committee chairman Andy Slaughter emphasized the need for a comprehensive review by spring 2026 to address issues such as unacceptable delays, staffing problems, and the outdated mix of paper and digital systems.

Concerns about poor conditions in court buildings, including asbestos and rat infestations, have been raised, with criticism directed at HM Courts and Tribunals Services for inadequate action.

England and Wales' 173 county courts handle a wide range of legal matters, including homelessness, medical negligence, bankruptcy, and anti-social behaviour, making them vital for citizens and businesses.

Current reliance on paper files causes significant delays, with small claims of £10,000 or less taking nearly a year on average to be heard, highlighting systemic inefficiencies.

Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society, stressed that access to swift and fair justice is essential, calling for repairs to court buildings and increased investment in civil legal aid.

The Ministry of Justice acknowledged the issues and announced plans to recruit up to 1,000 judges, fund additional sitting days, and promote digitization to improve court processes.

The report describes county courts as the 'Cinderella service' of the justice system, often overlooked compared to reforms in criminal justice.

The report links delays and inefficiencies to years of underfunding, questioning whether recent funding of £220 million has been effectively allocated to county courts.