Record sittings to cut backlog
Victims of crime are set to receive swifter justice after the government announced funding for an extra 1,250 Crown Court sitting days this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed the investment today at the opening of the legal year, saying it would help tackle the record backlog of cases clogging up the system.
The increase means the Crown Court will sit for a total of 111,250 days in 2025 – the highest number on record and 5,000 more than last year.
Long waits for justice
Official figures show more than 78,000 cases are currently waiting to be heard in Crown Courts across England and Wales, with victims often facing delays of three to four years before trials begin.
Mr Lammy said: “Behind each case is a real person, waiting years for justice. This investment will help ease the torment and bring swifter justice to many more victims. But only generational reform can fix the crisis in our courts.”
Independent review underway
Former judge Sir Brian Leveson is leading an independent review into how the criminal courts can be reformed to deliver justice more quickly and restore public confidence. The first phase has been completed, with ministers due to respond in the coming months.
