MOJ data shows that court backlogs grew by 11% in 2024

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Ministry of Justice (MOJ) findings have revealed that court backlogs reached a record high of 74,651 cases at the end of 2024, with an 11% increase in backlogs between December 2023 and 2024 alone.

The MOJ has stated that “justice delayed is justice denied” and has commissioned a review by Sir Brian Levenson to recommend reform. However, the Public Accounts Committee is concerned that the MOJ is “over reliant” on waiting on the results from this review, instead of pressing on with reforms.

Law Society President Richard Atkinson commented: “Today’s backlog figures and the increasing pressure on prisons demonstrate the urgency of the crisis. Waiting for the outcome of the two reviews and however long it then takes to implement them is not sufficient. The government needs to act today to start reducing the number of cases coming into the criminal justice system.”

Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC added that the statistics “reveal the scale of the crisis we inherited” in the courts system, noting that the backlog “could hit 100,000 by the end of 2029”. Baroness Newlove commented that the delays are harming victims and could lead to them giving up on seeking justice altogether.

Atkinson has emphasised the need for more funding and reforms to reduce backlogs. He said: “A fair and functioning criminal justice system will also help ensure that the UK retains its reputation as a legal centre which is crucial to the country’s economy.”

If you’re interested in learning more about some the court backlogs – read our guide to the legal profession 2024/25.