The mean time between issue and trial was 55.8 weeks for small claims and 85.7 weeks for the multi/fast track in the final quarter of last year—4.3 and 6.9 weeks longer than the same period in 2022, respectively.
Compared to 2019, these times are 18.7 weeks longer for small claims and 24.7 weeks longer for multi/fast track claims, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) civil justice statistics quarterly for October to December 2023.
The statistician’s comment noted: ‘This is the highest level since our series started in 2009.’
Damages claims dropped 24% to 13,000 claims, compared to 2022 (a 29% drop on the 2019 figures).
However, county court claims rose 11% on the 2022 figures—mainly driven by a 13% increase in money claims.
Warrants issued, for example, for possession, were up by a third (34%) compared to 2022, and up 19% compared to 2019.
