| answer text |
<p>Judges are prioritising the most urgent cases. We were one of the first among other
comparable jurisdictions globally to resume jury trials, and Crown Courts currently
list thousands of cases each week.</p><p> </p><p>Our systems show that where a defendant
is in custody and had a first hearing in February 2021, most cases are listed for
trial in the Crown Court prior to September 2021.</p><p> </p><p>In September 2020,
Her Majesty’s Prison Probation Service (HMPPS) began a trial of a dedicated and proactive
Bail Information Service (BIS) in several courts and prisons in the North West of
England and Wales. This service provides the courts with timely information relating
to the defendant and availability of alternative provisions, such as suitable accommodation,
to help to reduce unnecessary remands and increase the appropriate use of bail and
bail conditions. In tandem with this trial, HMPPS are rolling-out a Covid-19 response
BIS in all public sector remand prisons. A key aim of both initiatives is to inform
the design, resourcing and delivery of a future dedicated and proactive national BIS.</p>
|
|
