Court backlogs in England and Wales reach record levels

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Sept, 11:50 · Archive

Crown court backlogs in England and Wales have reached record highs, with 80,829 open cases at the end of June 2026.

The backlog of cases in crown courts across England and Wales has climbed to 80,829 open cases, a new record. The backlog has nearly doubled in size over six years from 43,403 in June 2020. The Daily Mail reports a combined court backlog figure of 461,059, up 98,725 since June 2024.

How it is being reported

• Courts backlog soars by nearly 100,000 since Labour came to power, as ministers urged to drop controversial jury trial reformsMinistry of Justice figures showed a combined backlog of 461,059, up 98,725 on the figure at the end of June 2024, a few days before the last General Election.Daily Mail · 24 Sept, 11:30
• Court backlog hits record high in England and Wales after doubling in size in just 6 yearsThe backlog of cases waiting to be heard in crown courts across England and Wales has skyrocketed to a new record high. There were 80,829 open cases at the end of June 2026, according to Ministry of Justice data published on Thursday. This is up from 80,437 at the end of March and a jump of three per cent from 78,226 a year earlier. The backlog has nearly doubled in size in the past six years, having stood at 43,403 at the end of June 2020. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say More to follow... Our Standards: The GB News Editorial CharterGB News · 24 Sept, 10:20

In this story: England and Wales · Ministry of Justice

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