The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is set to receive an additional £96 million in funding as part of the government’s Spending Review, representing a more than 10% increase in its
budget from 2026 to 2029.
A step toward safer streets
Attorney General Lord Hermer KC welcomed the investment, describing it as a crucial move to restore confidence in a justice system that has faced years of underfunding.
“The criminal justice system was on the brink of collapse and courts in crisis after fourteen years of neglect. We need to make our streets safe again, while also rebuilding confidence in the system.
That is why I welcome the Chancellor’s record investment into the future of CPS as part of the government’s Plan for Change to deliver safer streets and swifter justice.
This additional £96m for the Crown Prosecution Service will help protect victims by tackling the backlog, speeding up justice and unlocking digital developments through AI so we can keep dangerous offenders off our streets – and importantly, deliver a justice system that serves victims”, he said.
Focus on reducing delays
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson emphasized the impact the funding will have on improving outcomes for victims. “The funding announced will help the Crown Prosecution Service meet the significant challenges of the future while focusing on our number one priority: to reduce delays so victims get justice sooner.
This settlement will mean more prosecutors who can charge cases and get them ready for court, bringing more criminals to justice and giving closure to more victims – which in turn makes our streets safer.
It will also help unlock the potential of artificial intelligence and other technologies which will mean our prosecutors can work more efficiently, helping us do even more with this much needed funding”, he said.
What the funding covers
The £96 million will be used to:
- Recruit and train additional prosecutors
- Strengthen internal capabilities through focused development
- Improve service delivery and efficiency
- Support cross-government efforts to reduce delays in the justice system
- Enhance the experience for victims and witnesses
Further investment will also go into digital transformation projects, including Digital Jury Bundles and in-house AI tools. These advancements aim to improve productivity and deliver better value for money, creating a faster, more responsive service. Photo by Stephen Richards , Wikimedia commons.
