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Victims to have a stronger voice in the Criminal Justice System

  • Last Updated: 15-09-2022 at 13:09

NEW legislation which gives victims a stronger voice in the criminal justice system has been backed by Lincolnshire’s police and crime commissioner.

The new Victims Bill, unveiled by the Government today, sets out plans to ensure victims are better heard, served and protected under wide ranging reforms.

The Bill, once passed by Parliament, will create the first ever Victims’ Law – guaranteeing greater consultation with them during the criminal justice process and hold agencies such as the police, Crown Prosecution Service and courts service to account for the service they provide.

Lincolnshire PCC Marc Jones, as chair of the commissioners’ national association, has been at the forefront of talks with ministers to create the new legislation and says the Bill is a huge step forward for victims rights.

“I am absolutely committed to ensuring that anyone who is affected by crime in Lincolnshire and beyond receives the support they need.

“At a time when people need faith in the justice system they often feel further victimised by procedures that can be confusing and frustrating – we must build trust in the system by putting victims at the centre.

“This new legislation will place locally elected and accountable police and crime commissioners at the centre of the service victims receive. It will drive up standards and outcomes for residents at the most critical times.

“I will continue to work with Government to ensure the Bill delivers real and lasting improvements for the victims of crime.”

The draft Victims Bill includes measures that will:

  • Give victims the right to attend Parole Board hearings in full and submit questions about an offender’s suitability for release.
  • Ensure police and crime commissioners have the power to convene criminal justice partners to improve standards and outcomes for victims of crime.
  • Give Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyers a new duty to arrange a face-to-face meeting with each victim of crime before cases come to court.
  • Increase the victim surcharge paid by offenders by 20% in a move forecast to raise an additional £20million by 2025. This will be spent on rape support centres and other measures to help victims.
  • the Parole Board will have to consider victims’ concerns before making a decision.

Announcing the details of the new Bill Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said: “No victim should feel lost in a faceless system.

“We’re amplifying victims’ voices, boosting their rights at every stage and making criminals pay more to help victims recover.

“We’re doing this because it is morally the right thing to do to strengthen the care for victims, but also because it is operationally critical to drive up convictions – and keep our streets safe.”