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 reformsDaily Mail · 24 Sept, 11:30
• Court backlog hits record high in England and Wales after doubling in size in just 6 yearsGB News · 24 Sept, 10:20

In this story: England and Wales · Ministry of Justice

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