UK Supreme Court Annual Report & Accounts 2025-26 laid before Parliament

The UK Supreme Court’s Annual Report & Accounts 2025-26 (ARA) have been laid before Parliament today (13 July 2026).

The ARA is a statutory requirement and reviews the activities of both the Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC), providing highlights of their work and progress against objectives, together with information about financial performance and audited accounts. 

The Court’s core work is processing and considering permission to appeal applications (PTAs), hearings and judgments. During the past year the Court decided 295 PTAs and delivered 56 Supreme Court judgments, and 54 judgments in the JCPC.

It is of vital importance that the Court operates efficiently in its handling of appeals. This year we have embedded our two new websites and case management system, meaning that we are better able to serve Court users and the public and provide a world class service.

Many of the cases which the Court has decided over the past year have a significant impact on society and the report covers some of the most important judgments. These include: whether car buyers could recover the commission payments received by salespeople when they entered into hire purchase agreements; whether artificial neural networks can be patented; whether plant-based drinks can be marketed using the word “milk”; and whether there is a right to camp overnight on Dartmoor.

During the year the JCPC was honoured to be joined by Sir Anthony Smellie, the retired Chief Justice of the Cayman Islands, who sat for a week of appeal hearings.

Elsewhere, the Court has continued its international engagement work. By hosting other national courts, participating in meetings overseas, and welcoming visiting judges and justice ministers, the Court has been able to share knowledge and good practice, and promote the rule of law and the reputation of the UK legal system.

The Court has published its second judicial diversity and inclusion strategy to continue to play its part in helping talented people from all backgrounds to enter the world of law.

Speaking after the Report was laid in Parliament, the Court’s Chief Executive Vicky Fox said:

“The publication of our ARA reflects a successful year delivering our vision to be a world leading Court.

Alongside the decided cases and the accounts, this Report demonstrates our commitment to serving the public and offering a world class service to our Court users. We have enjoyed welcoming many more visitors to the Court this year, which has included Parliamentarians, international visitors, the public and students. We have expanded our education and outreach programme, and over 9000 students enjoying Court tours.

Looking forward, our focus is on three priorities: providing a world class service, serving the public, and engaging outwards. We will continue to be a world leading Court, delivering the highest quality judgments, known for our transparency and accessibility, and a user centred approach.

My profound thanks go to all my colleagues for their hard work and dedication. The progress recorded in this Report was made possible by them.”

We hope you enjoy reading the Annual Report & Accounts 2025-26 which is now available on the Court’s website.