Back in 2010, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to close up to 150 county and magistrates courts, claiming many were underused and in need of unaffordable repair work.
Most of the big inner-city courts have been left open, but several major towns have been forced to double up on cases. There are only so many claims that can be heard in any single day; more cases means longer delays in setting dates for a hearing.
In many courts, the service is pushed to breaking point. Meanwhile, industrial action by staff who are working to rule until August in protest at cuts to public sector pensions is piling on futher pressure. These courts don't just deal with housing matters – they are also handling family law, employment cases, small claims, all vying for scarce time.
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