House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Publication of the Final Code of Practice on Victim Information Requests under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022
01 December 2025 · Home Office
Proposed by Jess Phillips Lab Birmingham Yardley
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Publication of the final Code of Practice under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has been announced.
- The Code of Practice defines 'counselling services' to cover a broad range of therapeutic support.
- New duties outlined in the Code will take effect on January 12, 2026.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the publication of the final Code of Practice under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which defines counselling services and sets out guidelines for requesting victim information.
Action requested
The government has defined 'counselling services' broadly to ensure all therapeutic support is covered by higher safeguards. The draft Code of Practice will be laid before Parliament with a consultation response published on Gov.uk. New duties will take effect on January 12, 2026.
Key facts
- The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 introduced new duties for police.
- Counselling services are defined broadly in regulations under section 44A of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
- The final Code of Practice has been laid before Parliament as a draft on 12 January 2026.