Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Crown Prosecution Service: Support for Victims

Thursday 19 December 2024 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Crown Prosecution Service is working to improve communication with victims and reduce delays.
  • The CPS is strengthening the victims' right to review scheme to better support victims.
  • The government aims to reduce the Crown court backlog by increasing funding for sitting days.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP noted a case in Sutton Bridge where a six-year-old girl was indecently exposed, and the perpetrator known to the community but not properly investigated. He referenced Edmund Burke's quote on justice being vital for society.

Question

What steps is the Crown Prosecution Service taking to improve support for victims of crime? You will know that Edmund Burke said 'Justice is itself the great standing policy of civil society', but injustice reigns when victims feel neglected, as in Sutton Bridge where a six-year-old girl was indecently exposed and not properly investigated. Such incidents undermine faith in justice.

Answer from Lucy Rigby

We have worked with the CPS to improve communication with victims, strengthen the victims' right to review scheme, reduce victim attrition rates, and reduce delays. Policing is key, and we aim to put 13,000 more police officers and PCSOs back on the beat.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific case in Sutton Bridge was not addressed directly

How: Changing Subject, General Statements

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Q2 John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP highlighted a case in his constituency where a six-year-old girl was indecently exposed, the perpetrator was known but not properly investigated despite reports and CCTV evidence.

Question

Injustice reigns when crimes like indecent exposure are neglected. The six-year-old victim's case in Sutton Bridge, with available CCTV footage, was inadequately investigated. People lose faith in justice when such incidents occur. How will the CPS address these crimes?

Answer from Lucy Rigby

We are prioritising tackling backlogs and supporting victims, improving communication with them, strengthening victim rights review schemes. Policing needs more officers; we have pledged 13,000 more police officers and PCSOs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific Sutton Bridge incident was not addressed directly

How: Changing Subject, General Statements

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Q3 Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP welcomed the new Solicitor General and noted that Crown courts face a backlog of over 73,000 cases, leading to long delays for trials, making it difficult for victims to stay engaged with the justice process.

Question

Given the Crown court backlog exceeds 73,000 cases with some trials listed for 2027, many victims are waiting unacceptably long times for their trials. How is the Solicitor General working through the CPS to ensure that victims who face waits of two to three years remain committed?

Answer from Lucy Rigby

We need to do much more to support victims, and we are reviewing Crown courts. The Lord Chancellor is increasing funding for sitting days; additional 2,000 sitting days were announced yesterday.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures or timelines were provided for supporting victims during long delays

How: Changing Subject, General Statements

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