Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Access to Justice for Victims of Crime

Thursday 7 July 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is increasing funding for victim and witness services to 192 million by 2024-25.
  • The Government has allocated 150 million for victims and witnesses in 2021-22, including funding for ISVAs and local community-based sexual violence services.
  • The Government is introducing measures in the Victims Bill to improve victims' experiences and ensure their voices are heard before and after charges.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tony Lloyd Lab
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question stems from concerns over the Criminal Prosecution Service's role in ensuring justice for crime victims.

Question

I am concerned about the effectiveness of the CPS in securing access to justice for crime victims. What recent assessments have you made?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Government is increasing funding for victim and witness services to £192 million by 2024-25, representing a 92% uplift from core budgets in '20-'21. A significant portion of this has been allocated to local PCCs for commissioning support services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the effectiveness assessment requested but mentioned funding increases.

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Q2 Tony Lloyd Lab
Crime & Law Enforcement NHS
Context

Victims and their families face challenges such as cases not reaching court or trials being adjourned, leading to dissatisfaction with the system.

Question

While appreciating additional resources for victims, many still feel inadequately supported. What specific actions will be taken to address this issue?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Government has allocated £150 million for victims and witnesses in 2021-22, including funding for ISVAs and local community-based sexual violence services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Mentioned existing measures but did not provide specific actions to address current dissatisfaction.

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Q3 Bob Neill Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The draft Victims Bill presents an opportunity for improving consistency and standardization of support services for victims.

Question

Thanking the Attorney General, I note that while significant efforts have been made to support victims, inconsistencies still exist. Will you commit to carefully considering our committee's recommendations on this bill?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Government is introducing measures in the Victims Bill to improve victims' experiences, including ensuring their voices are heard both before and after charges. We are also proud of the victims code implemented last year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledged the draft bill but did not commit to specific implementation of recommendations.

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Q4 Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury
Justice & Courts
Context

Concerns about the Attorney General's plans to shrink the state, particularly regarding staffing levels in the CPS and backlogs in court cases.

Question

Despite your leadership priorities not mentioning tackling crime, what percentage of staff cuts do you plan for the Crown Prosecution Service? How will this affect current court backlogs?

Answer from Suella Braverman

While I won't engage in petty politics, I am proud of our financial support for the CPS, including increasing prosecutor numbers. There have been 115 more RASSO-trained prosecutors added to work specifically with victims.

Not addressed: Did not address staffing cuts or backlog impacts but discussed recent hires.

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Q5 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Justice & Courts Scotland Women & Equalities
Context

The Scottish Government's investment and Crown Office budget increases are highlighted as a model to follow.

Question

Welcoming the Scottish Government's investments, does she agree more funding should be available across the UK for better access to justice? Will you consider this in your prime ministerial manifesto?

Answer from Suella Braverman

There has been significant investment over the last two years to tackle violence against women and girls, including localised data dashboards. We are proud of the victims code with 12 rights for victims now enshrined in statute.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Focused on recent improvements without committing to increased funding based on Scotland's model.

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