UK Judges Increase Court Sitting Days to Combat Record Backlog

The UK government has announced an increase in the number of sitting days for Crown court judges to a record 110,000 next year to address a backlog of over 73,000 cases, which has more than doubled in five years. This increase includes an additional 4,000 days beyond previous allocations and aims to expedite justice for victims, as many have reported feeling traumatized by prolonged delays. The funding for court maintenance and building will also rise from £120 million to £148.5 million, addressing essential repairs and building needs, including new court facilities. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that these measures are part of a broader “Plan for Change” aimed at improving the justice system and ensuring timely resolutions for victims. Despite these efforts, concerns remain regarding the adequacy of these measures and the ongoing backlog, with critics highlighting that current sitting days still fall short of potential maximums outlined by the Lady Chief Justice. The government has also initiated a review led by Sir Brian Leveson to explore further reforms to enhance court efficiency.