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<p>Accessible courts and tribunals are an essential part of the justice system. There
will always be outstanding cases in the courts as the figures include cases that are
being prepared to be heard in the courts.</p><p> </p><p>We have removed the limit
on sitting days, extended 30 Nightingale courtrooms, and we are extending our plans
for judicial recruitment to increase sitting capacity and improve waiting times for
victims. To provide additional capacity in the Crown Court, magistrates’ sentencing
powers have been extended from 6 to 12 months for a single Triable Either Way offence
allowing more cases to be heard in the magistrates' court.</p><p> </p><p>We are also
taking steps to ensure people receive appropriate support when attending a court or
tribunal. In March we published a detailed consultation on legal aid means-testing
arrangements. This consultation has now closed, and we are considering responses.
We plan to publish a response in early 2023 to set out our final proposals, which
will significantly increase income thresholds for all types of legal aid.</p><p>The
Government keeps the scope of civil and family legal aid under constant review. We
recently announced expansions in housing and family legal aid, investing £23m to support
vulnerable people needing legal assistance.</p>
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