ACSO urges action on civil justice delays amid rising wait times

The UK civil justice system is deemed “not fit for purpose” by ACSO members.

The Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO) has raised concerns over delays in the UK civil justice system, following the release of Q2 2024 civil justice statistics. 

The data shows that small claims now take an average of 50.6 weeks (about 11 and a half months) to reach trial, only two weeks shorter than in 2023. Meanwhile, multi- and fast-track claims have seen further delays, with the average wait time increasing to 79.3 weeks (about one and a half years). 

ACSO’s executive director, Matthew Maxwell Scott, commented, “Although there are small improvements in some areas, we are still way behind where we were before the pandemic. It still takes a huge amount of time for the court to hear a case.” 

Maxwell Scott emphasised the need for urgent attention to civil justice, which affects many UK citizens. He called on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to prioritise this area, recommending increased funding, the use of alternative dispute resolution models, and more transparency around court delays. 

“The new justice team must act quickly to improve access to justice for thousands of consumers stuck in legal limbo,” Maxwell Scott added. 

ACSO members highlight systemic issues 

James Maxey, CEO of ACSO member Express Solicitors, voiced similar concerns. He criticised inefficiencies in the current system, particularly the use of outdated procedures like printing digital claims and mailing them to local courts. This, he said, adds to the long delays faced by claimants. 

Maxey described difficulties in contacting courts, with long call waiting times and missing paper files slowing down progress. He urged the incoming government to address these issues, stating, “Unbelievably, part of the delay is caused by printing the claim documents off the digital platform onto paper and posting it out to the local court. The local court then has to confirm receipt of the court file and set a date for the CCMC hearing, but this takes time.” 

“This is not an efficient system that is fit for purpose.” 

Image: Canva 

Josie Miller Josie is an editor for Claims Media. She welcomes feedback, comments, and opinion at josie.miller@barkerbrooks.co.uk