Annual Report 2022-23 (417 kB)

A root and branch review of the criminal justice system is needed to restore victim confidence the prosecution inspectorate has said today as it calls on Government to establish a Royal Commission.

Andrew Cayley KC, Chief Inspector of the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) has urged the government to honour its pledge to establish a Royal Commission to tackle the serious challenges facing criminal justice.

As the HMCPSI Annual Report is published today (18 July 2023), the Chief Inspector says backlogs and delays in the Crown Court – exacerbated by the pandemic and strikes by counsel – are threatening the administration of criminal justice and has warned the system is heading for crisis.

HMCPSI’s Chief Inspector, Andrew Cayley CMG KC, said: 

“The justice system is creaking towards breaking point – delays mean we are failing more and more victims and without an urgent root and branch review – I fear we are heading for a crisis of public confidence.

“All parts of the system must urgently come together to find the solutions we have been discussing for decades, it can be done, but there is no time to lose.

“Right across the country – I am inspired by the dedication of those working in the criminal justice system – they work long hours with large caseloads and genuinely care about victims of crime. But the system is overwhelmed – justice is taking too long and we are risking the trust of the public.

“I am fully aware of the pressures felt on all parts of the system, but workloads are not sustainable, urgent action is needed. That’s why I am calling on the government directly, to establish a Royal Commission on Criminal Justice.”

The Chief Inspector’s comments come as HMCPSI lays its annual report in Parliament. Figures in the report show Crown Court caseloads have increased by 64 per cent over three years between February 2020 and March 2023.

The report also charts CPS area inspections carried out during the reporting period, remarking that all CPS Areas made significant efforts to prosecute the right people for the right offences in accordance with the Code for Prosecutors.

CPS Areas have made significant efforts to advance cases and provide a good service to victims, witnesses and victims after a charge was made.

However, inspectors found that there was room for improvement in several areas including handing of victims and witnesses and charging stage, overall quality of legal reviews, disclosure decisions, and explanation of trial strategies, and stronger adoption of Better Case Management.