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Friday 19 December 2025
A weekly round-up of the latest news and information about courts and tribunals
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Changes to how you receive our updates
During January 2026, we will be changing the email software provider we use to send you updates, including our weekly HMCTS Update newsletter. Some of you will need to take action to continue receiving communications from us.
We will send you further information about any steps you need to take early in the new year. If no action is required, we will still contact you to confirm you will continue to receive updates as normal.
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Our Chief Executive, Nick Goodwin, reflects on the year in our latest video and thanks our many partners across the justice system for their continued support, advice, insight and challenge.
From completing our Reform Programme in March 2025 to continuing to build on our ambitions for business continuity, we've achieved significant progress together in helping communities have better access to justice.
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Since 2019, over 550,000 appeals for benefits and child support decisions have been made online and as of April 2025, 83% of benefits appeals have been submitted online – that's 2.5 times more than in 2019.
Our short video shows how we're creating services that are faster, easier to use, and accessible to everyone, with 80% of people rating the service as 'good' or 'very good'.
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The second of our short videos rounding up a busy year for HMCTS highlights how we’ve enhanced support for those using our courts.
The video covers the introduction of our new pre-recorded evidence platform, investment in piloting Pathfinder in the family courts, and a range of ways in which we’ve brought justice to life for children and young people.
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A reminder that you can check when courts and tribunals will be operating over the festive season.
Most courts and tribunals will close for the Christmas and New Year period, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Some magistrates' courts will remain open on certain days to handle remand hearings.
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This week's HMCTS Update will be the last of 2025 and we’ll resume as normal in January 2026.
In the meantime, we'd like to wish you all an enjoyable, restful festive period and a very happy year to come.
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Oxford Magistrates’ Court will temporarily close from 5 January 2026 to allow for vital improvement works, including a roof replacement.
The works will ensure the building is fit for everyone who uses it and we anticipate that the court will re-open in July 2026.
Cases will be moved to Oxford Combined Court, High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court and Reading Magistrates' Court for the period of the closure.
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The Ministry of Justice recently marked International Volunteer Day by speaking to magistrates from across the UK to share their stories.
From juggling family lives to overcoming personal challenges, magistrates create a significant impact in their community by participating in the justice system without needing prior legal experience.
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