Ministers in England and Wales have made a commitment to tackle the mounting backlogs and delays in Crown Courts by increasing the number of judges presiding over criminal cases. The Ministry of Justice’s decision to provide funding for judges to operate more courtrooms follows the publication of two critical reports highlighting the failure to adequately support victims of crime. Victims Commissioner Baroness Newlove expressed concern over the impact of delays on victims, with some resorting to destructive coping mechanisms such as substance abuse and self-harm.
The additional funding will allow judges to hear cases in Crown Courts for a total of 110,000 days, with the aim of addressing a backlog of 73,000 unresolved prosecutions. These delays have led to suspects being informed that their trials may not occur until 2027, with some courts already booking dates as far ahead as 2028. The backlog, attributed to court cuts, the pandemic, and a barristers’ strike, has resulted in a record number of remanded defendants, occupying a substantial portion of jail spaces.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the challenges posed by the backlog, describing it as a pressing issue that must be addressed to ensure justice is served and public safety is upheld. While ongoing reviews are expected to offer solutions for expediting court proceedings, concerns have been raised about the pace at which the government is taking action. Baroness Newlove emphasized the urgent need to maintain essential victim support services, warning against potential cuts that would further strain an already overwhelmed system.
The Public Accounts Committee in Parliament expressed alarm over the government’s acceptance of worsening court delays pending the implementation of recommendations from a comprehensive review led by retired judge Sir Brian Leveson. With new cases flooding the courts faster than they can be processed, the committee urged swift reforms to elevate the criminal justice system to a world-class standard. The Criminal Bar Association emphasized the necessity for uncapped sitting days in the Crown Court over the next five years to effectively reduce the backlog and ensure timely justice delivery
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