E-Filing Scheme Held Up; HMCTS Denies Data Security Risk
- Category: Private Client
- Date: 06-17-2025
The planned rollout of the e-filing system at Manchester Civil Justice Centre has been temporarily paused, according to a recent update from Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). The digital system, designed to streamline the civil filing process and improve overall efficiency, has encountered implementation delays. However, HMCTS has firmly denied that the hold-up is related to any data protection or security concerns.
Originally part of a broader modernization initiative across England and Wales, the e-filing scheme was intended to reduce paperwork, minimize processing times, and provide solicitors and litigants with more direct access to the court system. Manchester Civil Justice Centre was one of the early sites selected for deployment due to its size, complexity, and caseload.
An HMCTS spokesperson confirmed the pause but reassured stakeholders that data security remains a top priority. “There has been no data breach or risk to case information. The delay is purely operational,” they stated. “We are taking the necessary time to ensure the system functions smoothly and meets the high standards expected by legal professionals and the public.”
Legal practitioners in the region have expressed mixed responses. Some welcomed the caution, citing the need for robust testing before full implementation. Others, particularly those who had already begun transitioning to the new platform, voiced frustration over the disruption to their workflow.
The e-filing project is part of a larger £1 billion court reform program launched to digitize and modernize the UK justice system. Once fully deployed, the system will enable parties to file documents online, track case progress in real time, and receive notifications without relying on traditional post or manual processes.
Despite the temporary delay in Manchester, HMCTS affirmed its commitment to delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly e-filing solution across all civil courts. A revised timeline for rollout is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.