Friday 16 May 2025

A weekly round-up of the latest news and information about courts and tribunals

The Government has launched a consultation on criminal legal aid aiming to deliver more efficient justice for victims and stabilise the criminal legal aid system by investing millions more in criminal legal aid.

These proposals within the consultation lay the groundwork for long-term reform of the criminal legal aid system, making it easier for solicitors to take on legal aid cases while ensuring that everyone can access help, wherever they live.

Stay in touch with HMCTS

You can stay in touch with us by following us on our social channels where we publish the latest information on all things court related.

We've also launched our WhatsApp channel allowing users to stay informed with the latest news, updates and announcements.

Catch up on our podcasts

Our Inside HMCTS podcast series takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at the justice system, hearing from our court and tribunal staff, public and professional users and more.

Catch up on all of our previous podcast episodes and learn more about our courts and tribunals.

Online Civil Money Claims service update

This Spring, the use of the Online Civil Money Claims (OCMC) service will be mandated for legal representatives issuing and responding to eligible claims made under Practice Direction 51R. 

Benefits include 24/7 case access, email notifications about case activity and the ability to issue and respond to a claim, view judge directions, make an application, upload evidence in support and view final orders. OCMC also eliminates wait times for the receipt and issue of paper claims and responses.

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