Government lifts cap on Crown Court sitting days

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has welcomed a major change to the court system. The Government is lifting the cap on the number of days Crown Courts can sit. This move aims to deliver swifter justice for victims across West Mercia.

Previously, there was a limit on how many days cases could be heard each year. This often left courtrooms empty while backlogs grew. The new measure allows judges to hear as many cases as possible.

In West Mercia, the backlog currently stands at 1,601 cases. Many victims and witnesses have faced waits of months or even years. The PCC has repeatedly called for this national action to address the scale of the challenge.

John Campion, who chairs the Local Criminal Justice Board, said: “I hear far too often from victims and witnesses who are left waiting months – sometimes years – for their cases to be heard. That delay deepens the harm they have already suffered. Today’s announcement is an important step towards changing that, and I welcome the Government’s commitment to act.”

The Government has also committed to three-year funding certainty and digital upgrades. However, the PCC warned that more work is needed. He highlighted the need for more judges and advocates to keep pace with police arrests.

Mr Campion added: “Lifting the cap on sitting days and investing in capacity by improving the court estate will make a real difference. It is encouraging to see the Government responding to concerns about courtrooms sitting empty when they could be delivering justice.”