Plans to have 21,000 magistrates in place by 2030 have moved a step closer, with an extra 2,312 new magistrates joining the benches since April 2025, bringing the current total to more than 15,000
Courts minister Sarah Sackman KC said: ‘These figures show we are rapidly increasing recruitment to strengthen courts across the country, cut delays and ensure victims get the justice they deserve faster.’
Magistrates deal with about 90% of criminal cases, and will play a bigger role if the government proceeds with its controversial plans to restrict Crown Court jury trials and move more cases to the magistrates’ courts.
