Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on ensuring victims of crime who move between Scotland and England and Wales have access to adequate support services.

The Ministry of Justice is providing £550 million of funding for victim support services in England and Wales over three years (26/27 to 28/29 inclusive). The majority of this is routed annually through Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) who commission local support services based on an assessment of need. Victims can access services in their local area at any time, regardless of when or where the crime happened – this includes victims of crime who have moved to England and Wales since the crime occurred. Information about what support is available can be found on the Victim and Witness Information website. Victims in England and Wales are entitled to provisions in the Victims’ Code, which includes the Right to be offered a referral to specialist support services.

Victim support funding and commissioning is devolved in Scotland and is therefore the responsibility of the Scottish Government.