Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of support provided to (a) witnesses and (b) victims by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau’s Witness Service in (a) England and (b) Berkshire.

The Ministry of Justice commissioned Witness Service has been available in all criminal court locations since 2003. The service provides practical and emotional support and information to help witnesses (including victims) give their best evidence. The Witness Service has been delivered by Citizens Advice under grant arrangements since 2015. There are rigorous and appropriate oversight mechanisms in place, and the Department is satisfied that Citizens Advice is delivering an effective and consistent service across England and Wales in line with the requirements of the grant.