Newly released government figures have exposed a dramatic surge in the backlog of cases within the UK's immigration and asylum courts, which has more than doubled since the general election.
A Rapidly Escalating Crisis
Data published by HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) reveals that 121,010 applications are now awaiting a hearing in the immigration and asylum tribunal. This staggering number represents a severe escalation from the 58,441 cases recorded at the end of June last year, immediately before the election.
While the precise breakdown is not fully detailed in the latest release, figures from the summer confirmed that at least 51,000 of these pending cases are asylum appeals. The situation has been deteriorating consistently, with the backlog growing by between 4,000 and 6,000 cases every month since the autumn of last year. The most recent jump, between August and September this year, saw an increase of 4,069 cases.
Financial and Operational Consequences
This mounting delay carries a significant financial burden for the British taxpayer. The state is required to cover accommodation and living costs for failed asylum seekers while they await the outcome of their appeals. Consequently, these holdups in the tribunal system are directly increasing the pressure on the £4.7 billion annual cost of the UK's asylum system.
The operation of these tribunals, including centres like Field House in central London, falls under the responsibility of the Justice Secretary. This role was held by Shabana Mahmood until her promotion to Home Secretary in September. Oversight has now passed to the Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, who has inherited the rocketing backlog.
Ministerial Responsibility and Next Steps
The management of this growing crisis is now a key challenge for the current administration. With the backlog showing no signs of abating, questions are being raised about the efficiency of the tribunal process and the long-term strategy for managing the UK's immigration and asylum caseload. The continued monthly increase underscores the scale of the task facing the government.
