Ministry of Justice figures published today show that the Crown Court backlog in England and Wales has risen to a record level of over 78,000 open cases – up 10% in a year.

Katie Kempen, CEO of Victim Support, responded:

"Yet another record Crown Court backlog means further delays for victims, many of whom are now waiting years for their case to come to trial, their lives on hold while they are denied access to justice.

"These are not just statistics – they are real people, often struggling to cope, losing faith in the system, and facing serious emotional and psychological consequences.

"At the same time, vital victims' services have faced devastating funding cuts in the past year – services which are a lifeline to victims facing lengthy delays, preventing them from dropping out of the criminal justice process altogether.

"The government cannot allow the backlog to continue growing, while cutting funding for the very services which support victims through the process. Ministers must urgently commit to both bold action and increased funding to tackle the backlog and ensure victims can access the support they need and deserve."