Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Deferred
Paragraph: 95
Establish an independent advisory panel to review sentencing policy and proportionality.
Recommendation
The MoJ should establish an independent advisory panel on sentencing to consider proposed changes to sentencing policy and to provide advice to ministers. The independent panel should bring together academic experts, the voluntary sector, and, importantly, representatives of victims of crime and their families. It is vital for the legitimacy of the independent panel that it should contain a diversity of opinion and a range of perspectives on sentencing. The panel should also conduct structured public engagement as part of its work. Its findings and advice should be publicly available. The MoJ should also instruct the independent advisory panel to conduct regular reviews of the statutory minimum and maximum tariffs for sentences to determine whether sentences are proportionate and consistent across different types of offence.
Government Response Summary
The government deflects the recommendation to establish an independent advisory panel on sentencing, stating that the independent Sentencing Council will respond to recommendations applicable to it.
Paragraph Reference:
95
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
19. As the Committee will be aware, the Sentencing Council is independent of Government, and we understand that the Council will be responding to the Committee on the recommendations that apply specifically to the Council.