Liverpool Crown Court has received high praise in a recent Law Society report, standing out for its effective operation and staff performance. This positive assessment comes despite a national report detailing significant issues across court buildings in England and Wales, with many described as 'shambolic' and 'not fit for purpose'.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool Crown Court received top ratings for staff, facilities, and management.
- A Law Society report highlighted widespread problems in court buildings across England and Wales.
- Common issues included mould, broken facilities, and case delays due to building conditions.
- Nearly two-thirds of surveyed staff reported case delays because of court building states.
- The Ministry of Justice announced a £148.5 million maintenance program to address these issues.
- Wirral Magistrates' Court remains closed more than a year after structural review.
National Court Buildings Face Significant Challenges
A comprehensive report from The Law Society in 2025 has painted a critical picture of court buildings across England and Wales. The findings describe many facilities as 'shambolic' and 'not fit for purpose'. The report gathered feedback from court staff regarding their working conditions.
Issues cited in the report included severe problems such as mould, non-functional toilets, decaying animal carcasses, and cells experiencing sewage floods. These conditions highlight a widespread infrastructure crisis within the justice system.
Key Statistic
According to The Law Society's 2025 report, approximately 63% of court staff surveyed reported experiencing case delays within the past 12 months due to the poor condition of court buildings.
Case Delays Impact Justice Access
The poor state of court buildings has directly led to significant delays in legal proceedings. Cases have been adjourned, postponed, moved online, or transferred to alternative venues. This has created substantial difficulties for individuals involved.
The Law Society stated that clients and victims are often 'left in limbo'. They face delays in accessing justice, which can result in job losses, housing instability, and wasted time and money. The organization emphasized that a vital public service is being neglected, worsening the harm caused by these delays.
"A vital public service is being left to stagnate, compounding the harm caused by these delays."
Liverpool Crown Court Stands Out
In contrast to the national trend, Liverpool Crown Court emerged as one of the best-performing court buildings in the country. It received high ratings from staff for various aspects of its operation.
The court scored top marks for its helpful, diligent, and friendly staff. Its facilities and cleanliness also received positive feedback. Furthermore, the court's efficiency and management were highly rated. Other top-performing courts mentioned in the report included Grimsby Magistrates, IAC Birmingham, and Salisbury.
Staff Feedback on Liverpool Crown Court
One civil servant commented on the court's state: "There is an obvious need in terms of maintenance. There are aspects of the building that require decorating and upgrading. However, building functions efficiently on a daily basis." This suggests that despite some minor maintenance needs, the court effectively manages its daily operations.
Ensuring Timely Justice
Efficient court operations are crucial for the timely administration of justice. Delays can lead to increased costs, emotional distress for victims and defendants, and a loss of public confidence in the legal system.
Worst-Rated Court Buildings Highlight Systemic Issues
At the other end of the spectrum, Uxbridge Magistrates and Manchester Magistrates Courts were identified as among the worst in England and Wales. Staff dissatisfaction with these buildings was clearly reflected in the report.
A staff member from Manchester Magistrates' Court provided a stark account of the conditions. They described buildings that are "literally crumbling" and reported a significant rat infestation. The court's cells were often overwhelmed, leading to suspects having to use bags for urination due to lack of facilities.
"The buildings are literally crumbling. Manchester Magistrates' Court has a rat infestation. The cells regularly become overwhelmed with vans queued up outsides and suspects having to urinate in bags. The whole criminal court estate is not fit for purpose."
Further issues at Manchester Magistrates' Court included unreliable technology. The click share function rarely worked, and video link systems for prison conferences were consistently problematic. Prosecution papers were often not uploaded on time, with no apparent consequences, contributing to a system described as having "collapsed."
Ministry of Justice Responds to Criticisms
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) acknowledged the challenges. They stated that the government inherited a justice system in crisis but is working to ensure courts and tribunals are safe, secure, and equipped with modern technology. The MoJ has significantly increased capital funding to address these issues.
MoJ Investment
The Ministry of Justice has boosted capital funding to £148.5 million. This investment aims to improve court buildings nationwide. The MoJ also reported carrying out approximately one million maintenance visits this year.
The MoJ recently announced a nationwide £148.5 million maintenance program. This program aims to tackle neglected court buildings and upgrade facilities. Specific projects include a £14 million investment for a new roof at Nottingham Crown Court, modern courtroom upgrades at Manchester Crown Court, and improved heating and air conditioning at Willesden Magistrates' Court.
Wirral Magistrates' Court Remains Closed
In Merseyside, Wirral Magistrates' Court in Birkenhead remains closed. The court, which typically handles lower-level cases in the Wirral area, has been shut for over a year following a structural review. A notice on the court doors informs the public of the closure due to "building issues."
Individuals scheduled to appear at Wirral Magistrates' Court are being contacted with new dates and locations. This closure forces lawyers, witnesses, and defendants to travel across the River Mersey to magistrates' courts in Liverpool and Sefton, where Wirral cases are currently being heard.
Reason for Wirral Court Closure
A HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson explained the situation: "Wirral Magistrates’ Court was temporarily closed due to essential maintenance works on the roof. During this process, additional work was identified that must be completed."
The spokesperson emphasized that public safety is the priority. They stated: "We will not risk the safety of the public and we are working to install all necessary safety measures. We will reopen the court building as soon as it is safe to do so." The extended closure continues to impact local justice administration.