PCC welcomes major step forward as Government lifts cap on Crown Court sitting days
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has welcomed a significant step forward to deliver swifter justice in West Mercia’s Crown Courts.
The Government has announced that it will provide the resources needed to lift the cap on Crown Court sitting days - a move the PCC has repeatedly called for. This change removes the limit on the number of days cases can be heard, enabling judges to hear as many cases as the system can support and helping to cut the backlog so victims receive faster, fairer justice.
As Chair of the Local Criminal Justice Board, the PCC continues to work closely with partners across the three counties to drive improvements locally. However, national action is essential to address the scale of the challenge, with the West Mercia backlog currently standing at 1,601 cases.
The PCC 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.
“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.
“The commitment to three‑year funding certainty and digital upgrades is also positive. But with police arresting and charging more people, and major reforms underway across the criminal justice system, it is vital the Courts keep pace.
“We now need to see progress on increasing the number of judges and advocates, and clarity on the Government’s response to the Leveson review. With these measures in place, we can build a Crown Court system that delivers timely justice and meets the needs of the communities it serves.”
