HMCTS Monthly Bulletin - October 2021

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Keeping you updated with news about the reform programme

Issue 40  |  4 October 2021

New Manchester 'super court'

First 'super courtroom' opens in Manchester

Manchester Crown Court has been revamped to create a space 3 times the size of a regular courtroom, allowing for trials with up to 12 defendants.


News Headlines

More intimidated witnesses able to pre-record evidence

Those involved in sex offence or modern slavery cases will be spared the stress of cross-examination in court under a scheme rolled out to a further 4 Crown courts.

New Nightingale court opens in Monument

This new court has 2 courtrooms to hear non-custodial jury cases for crimes such as theft and low-level drug possession.

Lord Chancellor's inaugural speech

Read the new Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor's speech from his swearing-in ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice on 23 September 2021.

Register now for our fifth Public User Event

Join our online public user event for news on the projects and services we’re working in our Reform Programme, and our progress over the past year.

Email scammers posing as County Court bailiffs

Scammers are trying to trick companies and householders into making payments. We are also aware of a telephone scam affecting members of the public.

Other News

We've published a formal update on the progress we've made in gaining a deeper understanding of our stakeholders' needs and regularly engaging with them.

Legal representatives must now submit all applications for divorce online using our MyHMCTS service.

Watch the video of our recent webinar for defence professionals on the national rollout of the new Common Platform criminal case management system.

We've published new blog posts on the use of video technology in a high-profile murder trial and the role of courts in preparing for Knife Crime Prevention Orders.

Read new case studies on how we use feedback to improve our Online Civil Money Claims service and on a financial remedy pilot for legal professionals.

We've published our annual trust statement, detailing money raised from court fines, fixed penalty notices and other financial penalties for 2020-21.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

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Find out how efficient, effective, two-way engagement with court user groups has underpinned HMCTS’ recovery from the impact of COVID-19, in this blog post.

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