Court backlog will continue to rise despite new reforms, Lammy says
BBC World
February 24, 2026
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The backlog of cases in England and Wales' crown courts is set to persist, with little hope of significant reduction before the 2030s despite new reforms announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy. The current backlog stands at 80,000 cases, and without immediate action, it could surge to over 200,000 by 2035. Lammy has introduced measures such as lifting the cap on court sitting days, increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for administrative tasks, and establishing "Blitz courts" to streamline similar cases. However, these reforms will not take full effect until late 2027, leaving the backlog to grow in the short term.
Among the controversial measures is the government's plan to scrap jury trials for offenses with potential sentences of less than three years. This decision has drawn criticism from opposition MPs and legal groups, who argue that it undermines a fundamental right to trial by peers. The Criminal Bar Association has welcomed the removal of the sitting day cap as a positive step but emphasizes the need for further action on recruitment and retention of legal professionals.
The government has allocated £2.7 billion in funding for courts and tribunals next year, up from £2.5 billion in 2023. This funding will also address court maintenance issues, with nearly £150 million allocated to repair and
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026