The government is planning sweeping reforms to the justice system and cutting back on jury trials as part of a strategy to tackle a record backlog and avert a potential Crown Court breakdown, backed by a pledge of investment and system-wide efficiency measures.

Courts minister says the backlog is record-breaking and ongoing reforms, investment, and efficiency steps are aimed at reducing delays and delivering swift, fair justice for victims.

A new official backlog record shows 21,002 cases open for at least a year in December, marking a 27% rise from the end of 2024 and highlighting extensive delays.

Among long delays, more than 1,200 cases involve sexual offences open for two years or more by year-end, with rape cases making up about 9% of the two-year backlog.

Sexual offences now account for about one-fifth of cases open for two years or longer, signaling a growing share of the backlog tied to sexual crimes.

Violence against the person remains the largest two-year backlog category, comprising about 27% of two-year-delayed cases, followed by drug offences.

The magistrates’ courts backlog reached a peak of roughly 379,437 cases last year, up 17% from the year before, indicating widespread strain across the system.

Freedom of information data show about 2,600 Crown Court trials not listed until at least 2028, with 29 not due to be heard until 2030, underscoring severe scheduling pressures.

As of late January, the backlog includes more than 200 rape trials, illustrating the impact on serious criminal cases.

Victims are bearing the brunt of years of neglect, but officials pledge swift, fair justice through reforms and extra resources.

The Crown Court backlog in England and Wales stands at a record 80,203 outstanding cases, up 8% from the prior year and more than double the 2019 level.

Officials say pragmatic reform and historic investment are central to addressing the backlog and improving outcomes for victims and the justice system.