Landmark bill aims to deliver swifter justice for victims.

A Courts and Tribunals Bill was introduced in Parliament to speed up criminal cases for victims, and officials report about 80,000 cases are currently waiting, with nearly 20,000 over a year.

A new Courts and Tribunals Bill was introduced in Parliament on 25 February. It aims to speed up criminal cases and reduce delays affecting victims. Officials reported the courts are severely strained after years of underinvestment and rising caseloads. The bill combines structural reforms with increased funding and estate repairs. Key facts: - The article reports about 80,000 cases are currently waiting for court, with nearly 20,000 waiting over a year, including around 2,000 rape cases. - Reported average times are 255 days to complete a Crown Court case and 423 days for adult rape cases. - The bill would give judges greater power over where cases are heard, create a Bench Division for shorter-sentence cases, and allow some lengthy fraud trials to be heard by a judge alone. - The government announced increased funding for the courts, a pledge to fund every Crown Court to hear as many cases as possible next year, and £287 million for court building repairs. Summary: Officials say the reforms respond to a justice system they describe as severely strained by rising charges and more complex digital evidence. The bill was introduced in Parliament and sets out both changes to court processes and increased investment. Undetermined at this time.