Court sets out major judgments, service improvements and strategic priorities for 2025–26
The UK Supreme Court has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2025–26, outlining its performance over the past financial year, highlighting landmark judgments, improvements to court services and progress against its strategic priorities after the report was laid before Parliament.
The report says the Court continued its aim of being a “world leading court” by focusing on serving the public, providing high-quality services, supporting its workforce, strengthening engagement with stakeholders and promoting diversity, inclusion and belonging.
For solicitors, one of the most significant developments is the continued expansion of the Court’s digital case management and public access systems. During the year, all UK Supreme Court applications and most Judicial Committee of the Privy Council filings were processed through the new digital platform. The Court also began publishing Statements of Facts and Issues and written cases online, increasing public access to court documents. The report notes that additional support has also been introduced for self-represented litigants, including eligibility checks before filing, online guidance, instructional videos and telephone assistance.
The report reviews several of the Court’s most significant judgments from the year, including decisions on the interpretation of the Equality Act 2010, motor finance commission claims, financial remedies on divorce, citizenship deprivation on national security grounds, sanctions relating to Russia, Dartmoor access rights and criminal appeals. Each judgment is highlighted for its legal significance and its contribution to clarifying important areas of law.
Performance data published in the report shows that commercial matters accounted for the largest number of UK Supreme Court cases issued during the year, with 33 cases, followed by public law and human rights, insolvency and intellectual property matters. The report also records activity undertaken by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council across a range of jurisdictions and areas of law.
Beyond its judicial work, the Court reported continued investment in public engagement. During 2025–26 it welcomed 84,902 visitors, while its communications team delivered 593 guided tours for schools, universities, public bodies and other groups. Education initiatives also expanded, with the Ask a Justice programme doubling its annual sessions and 13 university moots taking place during the year.
International engagement also remained a priority. The Justices participated in 19 inward international visits, 16 outward visits and four bilateral exchanges, reflecting the Court’s objective of strengthening judicial cooperation and supporting the rule of law internationally.
Looking ahead, the Court identified several operational and strategic risks, including financial sustainability, cyber security, performance, public confidence in judicial independence and long-term resource pressures. It said these risks continue to be monitored through its governance framework while work progresses on delivering its business plan and strategic objectives.
The Annual Report concludes that the Court continued to improve access to justice, modernise its services and support judicial independence while delivering its constitutional role during the 2025–26 financial year.