BBK Manifesto 2026: Tackle delays in the court system
Justice should be timely. Yet across the criminal, civil and coroners’ courts, victims, bereaved families and claimants continue to face unacceptable delays. Cases that should be resolved within months are taking years, leaving people in limbo, increasing the risk of evidence being lost and undermining confidence in the justice system.
Bolt Burdon Kemp is calling on the Government to invest in courts, staff and resources to reduce delays and ensure the justice system delivers timely outcomes for everyone.
Criminal court delays continue to grow
According to figures published by the Ministry of Justice, the outstanding Crown Court caseload stood at around 80,200 cases in the quarter ending December 2025, more than double the level seen before the pandemic in December 2019.
The outstanding caseload in the magistrates’ courts also remains exceptionally high at around 379,000 cases, representing a 70% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels.
These delays have a particularly devastating impact on victims of serious sexual offences. Rape Crisis and other campaigners have warned lengthy waits for criminal trials are re-traumatising survivors, leaving many living in uncertainty while waiting for justice. Concerns have also been raised that these delays may breach the state’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights to investigate serious crimes effectively.
Civil justice remains under pressure
Delays are not confined to the criminal courts. County court users continue to face lengthy delays before their cases are heard, with the Justice Committee previously highlighting chronic underfunding, unsuccessful digital reforms and deteriorating court buildings as key barriers to timely justice.
For injured people pursuing civil claims, delays can prolong uncertainty, increase financial pressures and make it harder to move on with their lives.
Delays in coroners’ courts
The coroners’ courts also continue to experience significant delays. Longer waits for inquests mean bereaved families are left without answers for extended periods, while delays to the conclusion of investigations can postpone the issuing of Prevention of Future Deaths reports where coroners identify risks that could endanger others.
Momentum for reform
In February 2026, Part 2 of the Leveson Review was published, making 135 recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of the criminal courts. The review acknowledged the particular challenges faced by survivors of rape and recognised the concerns raised by Rape Crisis in its Living in Limbo report.
On 11 March 2026, the then Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy, reintroduced the Courts and Tribunal Bill with the aim of tackling delays across the justice system. However, proposals within the Bill to restrict access to jury trials in England and Wales prompted concern from charities and campaigners, who argued that removing jury trials could undermine justice for victims of violence against women and girls. There were also concerns that significant changes to the court system could create further delays while new processes were implemented.
With Mr Lammy now out of Government, it is unclear whether the Bill will progress or if the new Government will choose an alternative solution.
What needs to happen next
If confidence in the justice system is to be restored, reducing delays must be treated as a priority. Investment is needed across every part of the system, including court buildings, judicial capacity and administrative support, alongside reforms that improve efficiency without compromising access to justice.
Reducing waiting times should be supported by clear performance targets and transparent public reporting so progress can be properly monitored.
The Government should carefully consider the recommendations made in the Leveson Review and work at pace to address the delays affecting criminal, civil and coroners’ courts. Victims, bereaved families and claimants should not have to wait years for justice.
The bottom line
Justice delayed is justice denied. The growing backlogs across the courts continue to have a profound impact on victims and families, particularly those affected by the most serious offences.
Although proposals for reform have been put forward, the challenge remains far from resolved. The Government must now deliver meaningful investment and lasting reform to ensure justice is no longer delayed for those who need it most.
Victims, bereaved families and claimants deserve a justice system that delivers answers, accountability and resolution without unnecessary delay.
This blog is part of our 2026/27 Manifesto for Injured People. At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we support injured people not only by winning their cases but by driving positive change. Guided by our clients’ experiences and partnerships with charities across the UK, we are raising awareness of the changes needed to better support injured people. We will continue working with politicians from all parties to ensure injured people’s needs are not overlooked in Westminster or beyond. You can read our full manifesto here.
