Online justice services gain further traction
A number of new digital services were launched in 2018 as part of a £1bn programme to modernise the justice system.
A number of new digital services were launched in 2018 as part of a £1bn programme to modernise the justice system.
Online justice services have been used by more than 150,000 people in the past 12 months, according to figures released by the Government.
A number of new digital services were launched in 2018 as part of a £1bn Reform programme to modernise the justice system.
New services delivered by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) in 2018 include:
In addition, during 2018 more than 81,000 online pleas have been made for low-level motoring offences via the Make a Plea service first introduced in 2014.
Public feedback about the digital shift is positive with 85% of people reporting they are happy with the new divorce service, 93% for probate and 89% for civil money claims.
HMCTS says the new system for applying for divorce online has cut errors in application forms from 40% to less than 1%. The time taken to complete a divorce application has also reduced by more than half an hour on average.
Further digital services are expected soon. The Reform programme has also already delivered a pilot of fully video hearings in tax tribunals to test the potential for roll-out where appropriate across the courts and tribunals system, and a pilot of a new digital system providing shared case information in criminal cases to the police, CPS, courts service and legal professionals.
Justice Minister, Lucy Frazer said: “These online services are already making a difference to people who use the justice system. As we reach this milestone it’s encouraging to see people are reporting these services work well for them and are a better-fit around their busy lives.”