Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced that the government will fund unlimited Crown Court sitting days for the 2026/27 financial year in a bid to reduce the criminal case backlog, while confirming plans to curb jury trials.
From 1 April, the cap on sitting days will be removed, allowing judges to hear as many cases as operationally possible. Magistrates’ courts will also operate at full capacity. The government will invest £287 million in court repairs and upgrades, with funding agreed for the next three years to support long-term planning.
Despite the additional funding, Lammy said reforms introducing judge-only trials and other changes will move forward. Further details are expected to be announced later today.
The Law Society of England and Wales welcomed the investment but warned that sufficient judges and lawyers are needed to make a meaningful impact. The Criminal Bar Association and the Bar Council stressed that the right to trial by jury must be preserved and cautioned against reforms that could increase pressure on the justice system.
