Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 9 November 2021 to Question 904111 on Administration of Justice: Access, what steps the (a) police and (b) CPS are taking to improve case file quality to help reduce the number of cases that are administratively finalised.

As mentioned previously the Government recognises the importance of the timely delivery of justice and minimising delay is a key priority for the criminal justice system including, reducing the number of administratively finalised cases. The CPS and Police are committed to working closely with partners to ensure early engagement, proactive case management, robust case progression and effective and timely decision making.

In January 2021, the CPS published updated charging guidance, which sets out the agreed position on what needs to be included in a file and has also updated its National File Quality Assessment tool, which will ensure there is consistent data on file quality.

In March 2021, the CPS, NPCC and College of Policing publish a joint National Case Progression Commitment, a joint undertaking that builds on work conducted by all three organisations under the National Disclosure Improvement Plan (NDIP). Getting disclosure right is just one factor in ensuring meaningful, sustained improvement in case progression. Under this commitment they seek to address practical issues which present barriers to effective case progression as well as promoting a change in mindset towards proactive case management and progression.