Christina Rees Shadow Minister (Justice):
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that victims of crime are informed of mechanisms available for restorative justice before an offender has been sentenced.
Phillip Lee The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice:
Under the revised Victims’ Code, which came into force in November 2015, victims have a right to be informed about the restorative justice services in their area at the point the crime is reported. We believe that Police and Crime Commissioners are best placed to determine how to meet the needs of victims in their local areas.
We are clear however, that more remains to be done to make sure restorative justice is understood and used appropriately.
My officials have worked closely with forces, Police and Crime Commissioners and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners to raise awareness and understanding.
