Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 71
Diverting constrained CPS resources risks adverse effects on justice and victim experience.
Conclusion
Attending court can be a daunting experience for a victim, with potential to be confusing and retraumatising. We agree in principle with the Government’s ambition for the CPS in high harm cases to support victims through that process and to keep them informed. However, any further demands on the CPS should be matched with the additional resources required. The best way to support victims is to have an efficient and effective criminal justice system. Any steps to divert already constrained CPS resources from their core prosecutorial task may have an adverse effect on the timely delivery of justice and, ultimately, provide a worse experience for victims.
Government Response Summary
The government agreed that new expectations on the CPS must be properly resourced and is reviewing current communication procedures, considering a duty to meet victims, which will be underpinned by a thorough assessment of required resources.
Paragraph Reference:
71
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
28. We agree with the Committee that any new expectations placed on the CPS must be deliverable and properly resourced. Following the publication of independent research commissioned by the CPS, work is now well underway to review their current procedures concerning communication with victims. We consider that a duty on the CPS to meet with victims in certain cases should form a key part of their new approach, underpinned by a thorough assessment of the resource required to deliver it effectively.