The government has issued a fresh pledge to bring down the Crown court backlog after new data showed the open caseload has hit a new high. However, a statement from justice minister Sarah Sackman and guidance from the Ministry of Justice notably fails to mention jury trial reforms.
Figures for April to June 2026 show the open caseload reached a ‘series peak’ of 80,829 by the end of June 2026 – up 392 on the previous quarter.
Courts minister Sarah Sackman said: ‘These record-breaking figures lay bare the scale of the challenge facing our courts, with victims waiting far too long for justice - that’s why it’s our priority to reduce the backlog so that cases are heard sooner and victims get the justice they deserve. We’re already acting on all fronts - investing in our courts at record levels, embracing new technology, and the Courts and Tribunals Bill will return to parliament in October - helping drive the changes needed to bring down the backlog and deliver faster and fairer justice.’
Guidance provided by the ministry outlines various steps being taken to bring down the backlog, such as the recently announced specialist rape courts, lifting the financial cap on Crown court sitting days and extra funding for criminal legal aid. Plans to curb jury trials are notably absent – however, in a sign that the controversial reforms might not necessary be off the table, the guidance states that magistrates’ courts ‘continue to deal with triable either way offences more than four times faster than at the crown Court’.
The Criminal Bar Association was quick to point out that the backlog has fallen in four out of seven regions and nearly all of the 392 increase is concentrated in London. ‘Fortunately, we have a new court opening in central London early next year, with eight additional courtrooms. Together with the reopening of Harrow Crown Court, this should make a significant difference to London’s performance,’ CBA chair Andrew Thomas said.
The government lifted the cap on Crown court sitting days in April ‘and today’s figures only capture the first three months of this new liberated system’, Thomas added.
Law Society president Mark Evans said: ‘The government must seize the chance to deliver a long-term, whole-system plan for criminal justice reform. This should include usable courts, enough judges and staff and the maximum number of sitting days to hear cases promptly. We also urge the government to invest in legal aid, ensuring the legal aid means test keeps pace with modern living costs and fees rightfully reflect the expertise and commitment of providers.’
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