The Backlog of Court Cases Reaches Record High with Over 414,000 Pending
- The number of cases awaiting trial in Crown Court reached 63,408 by the end of June.
- The backlog is a result of the coronavirus pandemic and a prolonged barristers’ strike.
The backlog of court cases has reached its highest level in 15 months, with more than 414,000 cases pending.
As of the end of June, there were 63,408 cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court, slightly higher than the previous month. These figures, released by the HM Courts and Tribunal Service, also revealed 350,693 cases prepared for magistrates’ courts in England and Wales. In total, there is a backlog of 414,101 cases, leaving victims of crime facing significant delays before they can achieve justice.
This backlog is the highest it has been since March of the previous year, when it stood at just over 417,000.
The Ministry of Justice has set a target to reduce the Crown Court backlog to 53,000 by March 2025. However, progress in recent months has been reversed due to the accumulation of cases during the pandemic and a prolonged barristers’ strike.
The Ministry of Justice has set a target to cut the Crown Court backlog to 53,000 by March 2025
It follows a build-up of cases during the pandemic and a lengthy barristers’ strike
The backlog can be attributed in part to the barristers’ strike that took place in April last year due to a pay dispute with the Government. Although the strike was resolved in September, it resulted in a significant increase in delays.
The increase in the number of police officers as a result of the Home Office’s recruitment drive may also be contributing to the backlog, as more officers lead to more arrests and prosecutions.
Meanwhile, the Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, has announced that the courts will be permitted to operate at ‘maximum capacity’ for the third consecutive year, with no limitations on the number of sitting days. Additionally, £220 million will be allocated for the modernization and repair of court buildings over the next two years.
Chalk emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering swift justice to victims, stating, ‘We have a world-leading justice system and a legal sector that is a cornerstone of our economy, and we should have modern, fit-for-the-future court buildings that reflect these high standards.’
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