A recent report by Members of Parliament (MPs) has highlighted significant delays in the family court system, negatively impacting children, families, and victims of domestic abuse. The report pointed out that over 4,000 children were involved in court cases lasting up to two years by the end of 2024, despite the requirement for most public law cases to be completed within 26 weeks. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed concern about the lack of district judges and social workers contributing to these delays.
In addition, the inquiry raised issues regarding domestic abuse cases, citing a lack of expert support. The PAC emphasized that delays in cases disproportionately affect children, especially victims of domestic abuse, while the government’s understanding of the diverse impacts on different service user groups remains inadequate.
The complexity and inefficiency of family courts were also highlighted, making it challenging for families without legal support to navigate the system. Concerns were raised about the insufficient resources and training for court staff, legal advisors, and Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) personnel to adequately support domestic abuse victims, underscoring the shortcomings in meeting their needs within the family justice process.
The PAC noted the recent allocation of £2 billion funding for new investments in children’s social care announced in the June 2025 Spending Review. However, there is a call for clarity on how this funding will be utilized, particularly in enhancing family support to prevent family breakdowns and reduce reliance on the court system.
Clive Betts, deputy chair of the PAC, expressed alarm at the government’s response to the delays, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the system, especially in addressing the inadequacies faced by domestic abuse victims.
