House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Victim Impact Statements in the Mental Health Tribunal (Section 21 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024)
24 June 2025 · Ministry of Justice
Proposed by Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Section 21 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 has commenced, enabling victims to submit Victim Impact Statements to the First-Tier Tribunal (Mental Health) in England and Wales.
- Victim Impact Statements will be part of the decision-making process regarding discharge conditions for offenders detained under the Mental Health Act.
- Victims will be eligible for support from a Victim Liaison Officer through the Victim Contact Scheme.
Issue summary
The statement announces the commencement of Section 21 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, allowing victims of certain offenders detained under the Mental Health Act to make Victim Impact Statements.
Action requested
This measure will allow victims to provide a Victim Impact Statement to the First-Tier Tribunal (Mental Health) in England and Wales when considering discharge conditions for an offender. The statement is part of the decision-making process but cannot be considered for other purposes. Victims will also have access to a Victim Liaison Officer under the Victim Contact Scheme to support them.
Key facts
- Section 21 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 commenced.
- Victims can now provide Victim Impact Statements to the First-Tier Tribunal (Mental Health) in England and the Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales.
- The measure requires tribunals to grant applications from victims who wish to read their statements at hearings unless there are good reasons not to.
- Each victim will be supported by a Victim Liaison Officer under the Victim Contact Scheme.