The Bar Council has made four short term recommendations in the January 2021 Budget submission to the Treasury, including dealing with the court backlog, legal aid and ensuring there is enough court staff to operate courts.
- Create 42 (to bring overall numbers to 60) additional Nightingale Courts to help ensure that courts can progress hearings safely during the pandemic and help clear the backlog.
- Invest £55m for HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to recruit and retain more staff to help respond to increased demand on court staff as a result of Covid-19.
- Make non-means tested legal aid available for all domestic abuse cases.
- Introduce early access to legal advice for social welfare issues.
