1.12 The multiplicity of different IT systems in use has led to many problems and difficulties. Because Magistrates' Courts Committees do not have the same IT systems, it has been difficult to establish common databases of their work for the setting and monitoring of targets of efficiency. It has also been difficult to facilitate research and for Committees to share information with each other. The level of IT support across magistrates' courts is uneven.
1.13 The Lord Chancellor's Department (and the Home Office before it) therefore decided to develop a national standard IT strategy for magistrates' courts.