Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to reduce the backlog in processing probate applications.

HMCTS is focused on increasing outputs to reduce overall timeliness and the outstanding caseload on all types of applications. HMCTS has increased staffing levels, streamlined internal processes and continued to invest in further improving the digital service.

More recent Management Information published by HMCTS shows the average mean length of time taken for a grant of probate (following receipt of the documents required) reduced by 3 weeks in March 2024 compared to February 2024. The average timeliness for cases completing in March was 9 weeks.

Official statistics show that the average time (median) from application submission to grant issue for all grant types was 11.0 weeks in 2023 (mean average time was 13.9 weeks). From the document receipt to grant issue the median average time was 8.7 weeks (mean average time 12.0).

Despite the probate service receiving record levels of applications during 2023 the open workable caseload (cases not waiting for more information from the applicant) has reduced by 30,500 cases since August 2023 and currently stands at 37, 406 in March 2024.