The criminal cases backlog has grown, with outstanding Crown Court cases climbing from 60,351 in July to 61,212 at the end of August, government statistics show.
The magistrates’ court backlog has also increased, rising from 352,193 in July to 360,611 at the end of August.
The increase coincides with a national strike by criminal barristers, which was paused this month following a refreshed offer on the 15% fee increase by the justice secretary. However, solicitors say their fees proposal amounts only to a 9% rise, and are warning they will leave criminal practice altogether.
Law Society president Lubna Shuja said: ‘Criminal defence solicitors are needed more than ever to help tackle these unprecedented backlogs in our criminal courts and yet government is still refusing to give them parity with barristers.’
