HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has announced that the Common Platform digital system is now live in every criminal court in England and Wales.
It said that every Crown and magistrates’ court now has access to the system that makes all case materials available in one place.
More work is due to take place on the implementation with new features will be added to the system.
The news marks a significant step in the roll out of the case management system, which has been subject to a series of delays since work began on its development in 2012.
Last month Parliament’s Accounts Committee published a critical report of the implementation programme, coming weeks after HMCTS said it would be fully completed in 2025.
The Common Platform is being delivered as a central element of HMCTS’ Reform Programme. It enables each user to see only information relevant to them and allows for changes and updates to a case to be made instantly.
Improving work
Justice Minister Mike Freer said: “Common Platform is improving how we work to deliver justice. It will allow instant and seamless information sharing that will reduce errors and ensure vital details about cases can be seen quickly by all those involved in a case.
“Connecting every criminal court with partner agencies and professionals is helping make them fit for the future.”
