Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what steps he is taking to ensure that victims of serious crime receive regular updates on police and CPS progress on those crimes.

In England and Wales, the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (Victims’ Code) outlines the services victims are entitled to receive, including updates on the progress of their case during an investigation or prosecution. Bereaved families in homicide cases and victims of the most serious offences will receive information within 1 working day of key developments, such as when a suspect is arrested or released without charge. Victims will also be informed how often they will receive updates on the status of the case following discussion with the police.

In the first cross-government Victims Strategy, published in September 2018, the Government committed to amend the Victims’ Code and we intend to consult on the changes shortly. We also committed in the strategy to hold agencies to account for compliance with the Victims’ Code through improved reporting, monitoring and transparency on whether victims are receiving entitlements.