HER Majesty’s Justice Chief Inspectors have expressed “grave concerns” in a report about the long-term impact of Covid-19-related court backlogs on the criminal justice system across England and Wales.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said: “The findings of these inspection reports sadly come as little surprise. Clearly, the backlog in our courts is a huge concern, and the way this impacts on all those involved, in particular those victims and witnesses affected. In West Yorkshire we have worked incredibly hard to develop solutions and respond as swiftly as possible, and I am heartened to say that through our Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB), we have been able to deliver on some innovative work in both our Crown and Magistrates courts, which has put us ahead of most places in England and Wales.

“It’s also right that key references are made to the impact of the pandemic on those both in custody and beyond, and how their wellbeing, and subsequent rehabilitation, is affected now and in the future.

“I am keen that these reports add to the calls that I and others have been making to Government Ministers at the Home Office and Ministry of Justice for many months throughout Covid-19, for the need of a more urgent and co-ordinated response to tackling the courts backlog crisis nationally.”