Victims and Courts Bill 2024-26

NC12

To move the following Clause—"Duty to commission support services for caregivers of victims of abuse and exploitation (1) This section applies in respect of victims of offences relating to—(a) domestic abuse,"

NC19

★ To move the following Clause—"Requirement for Strategic Planning and Funding of Victim Support Services (1) Each local authority and relevant authority must prepare and maintain a victim support strategy setting out how they will meet the needs of individuals affected by-(a) offences related to domestic or family-related abuse, (b) sexual offences, and (c) offences related to child criminal exploitation, in accordance with their rights under the victims' code. (2) Strategies prepared under subsection (1) must include-(a) identification of gaps in existing services, (b) specific plans to fund and deliver services for adults and children, (c) measures to ensure accessibility for victims with particular needs, including (but not limited to) those who are disabled, deaf, from racially minoritised communities, or LGBTQ+. (3) Any body subject to a duty under subsection (1) must report annually to the Secretary of State on progress in implementing their victim support strategy, including outcomes for service users. (4) For the purposes of this section—“victim" has the meaning given in section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024; "child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025; and "relevant authority” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025."

NC21

★ To move the following Clause—"Duty to report on availability of support services for carers of victims (1) Relevant authorities must prepare an annual report on the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of support services for carers of victims affected by-(a) offences related to domestic or family-related abuse, (b) sexual offences, and (c) child criminal exploitation, provided for the purpose of securing the rights of the victim under the victims' code. (2) A report produced under subsection (1) must include-(a) an assessment of gaps in existing services for carers, (b) the types of support available, including emotional, practical, and advocacy services, (c) measures in place to ensure accessibility for carers with specific needs, including (but not limited to) those who are disabled, blind, deaf, from racially minoritised communities, or LGBTQ+, and (d) planned actions to improve service provision where gaps are identified. (3) Relevant authorities with a duty under subsection (1) must publish the report and submit a copy to the Secretary of State no later than six months after the end of each financial year. (4) For the purposes of this section—“carer" means any individual providing unpaid support to a victim as defined in section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, "child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025, and "relevant authority” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025."

NC15

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Right to referral to restorative justice services</b><br> (1) A victim of an offence has the right, at any stage following the commission of the offence, to receive from a relevant criminal justice body—<br> (a) information about the availability and purpose of restorative justice services; and<br> (b) a meaningful referral to restorative justice services, where those services are available.<br> (2) A referral under subsection (1) must be made—<br> (a) as soon as is reasonably practicable after the offender is identified; and<br> (b) at subsequent appropriate stages of the criminal justice process (including pre-charge, post-charge, and post-conviction) or if requested by the victim.<br> (3) In exercising the right under this section, a victim must at all times give informed consent, and participation in any restorative justice process shall be voluntary.<br> (4) A relevant criminal justice body must maintain a record (in such form as may be prescribed by regulations) of—<br> (a) the times when referrals under subsection (1) are made; and<br> (b) statistical information on how many victims accept, decline, or do not respond to referrals.<br> (5) For the purposes of this section, “relevant criminal justice body” includes (but is not limited to) the—<br> (a) police;<br> (b) Crown Prosecution Service;<br> (c) His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service;<br> (d) courts; and<br> (e) Commissioned victim service providers.<br> (6) The victims’ code must include provision consistent with this section for—<br> (a) the form, timing, and content of information to be given to victims about restorative justice;<br> (b) mechanisms and standards for referral and re-referral; and<br> (c) oversight and review of compliance with this section.<br> (7) In this section “restorative justice services” means services facilitating a process through which a victim and offender (or their representatives) may, with appropriate support, voluntarily engage to deal with the harm arising from the offence by means of a facilitated dialogue or meeting such as conferencing, or indirect exchanges of communication via trained practitioners.”

<p>This new clause seeks to strengthen victims’ statutory rights to access restorative justice services.</p>

NC16

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to report on the use of restorative justice services</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within a year of the passing of this Act, undertake an assessment of the use of restorative justice services by victims in England and Wales.<br> (2) The assessment under subsection (1) must consider—<br> (a) the level of use of restorative justice services;<br> (b) recommendations for increasing the use of restorative justice services; and<br> (c) any other matters that the Secretary of State deems appropriate.<br> (3) The Secretary of State must lay a copy of the assessment before Parliament.<br> (4) In this section “restorative justice services” means services facilitating a process through which a victim and offender (or their representatives) may, with appropriate support, voluntarily engage to deal with the harm arising from the offence by means such as mediation, conferencing, or reparation, under standards of safety and fairness.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to carry out an assessment of the level of use of restorative justice services, and make recommendations for increasing their use.</p>

NC17

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“The Victims’ Code: right to veto licence conditions relating to an offender’s release</b><br> The Secretary of State must, within 3 months of the passing of this Act, revise the Victims’ Code to ensure that a victim of a serious or violent offence has a right of veto over licence conditions relating to the release of an offender from prison, including temporary release, which fails to prevent an offender travelling to specific locations and provide adequate protections to the victim.”

<p>This new clause gives victims of a serious or violent offence a right of veto over licence conditions relating to the release of an offender from prison.</p>

NC18

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Victim navigators</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, with six months of the passing of this Act, make provision for each police force in England and Wales to have access to one or more independent victim navigators.<br> (2) The purpose of an independent victim navigator under subsection (1) is to—<br> (a) liaise between the police force and potential victims of offences relating to slavery or human trafficking; and<br> (b) assist in the provision of specialist advice for either the police force or the potential victims.<br> (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide further guidance on the functions of independent victim navigators.<br> (4) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument, and may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.”

<p>This new clause seeks to introduce provisions for Independent Victim Navigators to be in operation on a national level in England and Wales, acting as a liaison between the police and potential victim of slavery or human trafficking in accessing the appropriate support.</p>

None

To move the following Clause—"Application of the Victims' Code in respect of victims of murder, manslaughter or infanticide abroad (1) This section applies in respect of victims as defined under section 1(2)(c) who are a close relative of a British National resident in England and Wales, who was the victim of—(a) murder; (b) manslaughter; or (c) infanticide, committed outside the UK.(2) The Secretary of State must by regulations issue an appendix to the victims' code, setting out how the code applies to victims in the circumstances set out in subsection (1).(3) The appendix must set out the services to be provided to victims as defined under subsection (1) by those persons based in England and Wales appearing to the Secretary of State to have functions of a public nature relating to-(a) victims, or (b) any aspect of the criminal justice system.(4) The appendix must make provision for services based in England and Wales which reflect the principles that victims require—(a) information to help them understand the criminal justice process; (b) access to services within England and Wales which provide them with emotional and practical support (including, where appropriate, specialist services); (c) in circumstances where the criminal justice process is engaged in England and Wales, the opportunity to make their views heard in the criminal justice process; and (d) the ability to challenge decisions which have a direct impact on them.(5) In setting out the services to be provided to victims under this section, the Secretary of State must specify the following: (a) how such services will be provided with accessible information; (b) how they access emotional and practical support.”

NC13

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Victims’ rights to make disclosures relating to criminal conduct</b><br> For section 17 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (disclosures by victims that cannot be precluded by agreement) substitute—<br> <b>“17</b> <b>Disclosures by victims that cannot be precluded by agreement</b><br> (1) Any provision in an agreement is void in so far as it purports to preclude a victim, or a person who reasonably believes they are a victim, from making—<br> (a) an allegation of, or a disclosure of information relating to, relevant criminal conduct, or<br> (b) an allegation, or a disclosure of information, relating to the response of any other party to the agreement to—<br> (i) relevant criminal conduct, or<br> (ii) the making of an allegation or disclosure within paragraph (a).<br> (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to provision in an agreement (an “excepted agreement”) that satisfies such conditions as the Secretary of State may specify by regulations.<br> (3) But the Secretary of State may by regulations provide that any provision in an excepted agreement is void in so far as it purports to preclude the victim, or the person who reasonably believes they are a victim, from making an allegation or disclosure within subsection (1)(a) or (b)—<br> (a) to a specified description of person;<br> (b) for a specified purpose;<br> (c) in specified circumstances.<br> (4) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any other enactment or rule of law by virtue of which provision in an agreement may be void.<br> (5) Subject to subsections (6), (7) and (8), this section binds the Crown.<br> (6) This section does not apply to provision in an agreement entered into by His Majesty in his private capacity (within the meaning of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947).<br> (7) This section does not apply to provision in an agreement entered into by the Crown for the purposes of—<br> (a) the Security Service;<br> (b) the Secret Intelligence Service;<br> (c) the Government Communications Headquarters.<br> (8) This section does not apply to provision in an agreement which—<br> (a) is between the Crown and a member or former member of the special forces, and<br> (b) governs the disclosure by the member or former member of any information relating to the work of the special forces.<br> (9) In this section—<br> “relevant criminal conduct” means conduct by virtue of which the person making the allegation or disclosure is, or reasonably believes they are, a victim (see section 1(1) and (2) of this Act);<br> “special forces” means those units of the armed forces of the Crown the maintenance of whose capabilities is the responsibility of the Director of Special Forces or which are for the time being subject to the operational command of that Director;<br> “specified” means specified in the regulations.””

<p>This new clause substitutes section 17 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which allows victims of criminal conduct to make disclosures in connection with that conduct. Under the new section 17, there will be no requirement that disclosure be made to certain persons in order to be permitted.</p>

NC14

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Restriction of parental responsibility for child conceived as a result of rape</b><br> After section 10D of the Children Act 1989 (review of orders made under section 10C) (inserted by section 3) insert—<br> <b>“10E</b> <b>Duty to make prohibited steps order following rape</b><br> (1) This section applies where the Crown Court—<br> (a) sentences a person (“the offender”) for an offence under section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (rape), and<br> (b) is satisfied that a child (“the child”) for whom the offender has parental responsibility was conceived as a result of the rape.<br> (2) The Crown Court must make a prohibited steps order when sentencing the offender.<br> (3) The order must—<br> (a) specify that no step of any kind which could be taken by a parent in meeting their parental responsibility for a child may be taken by the offender with respect to the child without the consent of the High Court or the family court, and<br> (b) be made to have effect until the order is varied or discharged by the High Court or the family court.<br> (4) But the Crown Court must not make a prohibited steps order under this section if—<br> (a) making the order is prohibited by section 29(3) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002,<br> (b) a prohibited steps order is already in force that meets the requirements in subsection (3), or<br> (c) it appears to the Crown Court that it would not be in the interests of justice to do so.<br> (5) A prohibited steps order made under this section does not cease to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal, but see section 10G.<br> (6) Sections 1, 7 and 11 do not apply where the Crown Court proceeds under this section.<br> (7) A prohibited steps order made under this section is to be treated for the purposes of section 31F(6) of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (proceedings and decisions) as if it were made by the family court.<br> (8) The Crown Court does not have jurisdiction to entertain any proceedings in connection with the enforcement of a prohibited steps order made under this section.<br> (9) A reference in this Act to an order under this section includes, so far as the context permits, an order varying or discharging it.<br> <b>10F</b> <b>Duty to apply to court where child may have been conceived as a result of rape</b><br> (1) This section applies where—<br> (a) the Crown Court sentences a person (“the offender”) for an offence under section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (rape),<br> (b) the Crown Court is satisfied that there is a child (“the child”) for whom the offender has parental responsibility,<br> (c) the Crown Court considers that the child may have been conceived as a result of the rape, and<br> (d) section 10E does not apply.<br> (2) The Crown Court must notify the local authority that is the relevant local authority at the time the offender is sentenced (if any) of the matters set out in subsection (1).<br> (3) The notification under subsection (2) must be given before the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day after the day on which the offender is sentenced.<br> (4) Before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day after the day on which the Crown Court notifies the local authority under subsection (2), the local authority must make enquiries into whether—<br> (a) the victim of the rape, or<br> (b) if the victim is deceased, any person with parental responsibility for the child other than the offender,<br> <span class="wrapped">consents to an application being made to the court (see section 92(7)) for the court to determine whether to make a section 8 order.</span><br> (5) If consent is given, the local authority must make that application as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event before the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day after the day on which the consent is given.<br> (6) Subsections (4) and (5) do not apply if the local authority is satisfied that the court would not have jurisdiction to make a section 8 order (see sections 2 and 3 of the Family Law Act 1986).<br> (7) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the periods specified in subsections (3), (4) and (5).<br> (8) In this section, “relevant local authority” means—<br> (a) where the child is ordinarily resident within the area of a local authority in England or Wales, that local authority;<br> (b) where the child does not fall within paragraph (a) but is present within the area of a local authority in England or Wales, that local authority.<br> <b>10G</b> <b>Review of orders made under section 10E or following an application under section 10F</b><br> (1) This section applies where—<br> (a) either—<br> (i) a prohibited steps order has been made under section 10E, or<br> (ii) an order under Part II has been made following an application under section 10F, and<br> (b) the offender is acquitted of the offence following an appeal.<br> (2) The local authority that is the relevant local authority at the time the verdict of acquittal is entered (if any) must make an application to the court (see section 92(7)) to review the order.<br> (3) An application under this section must be made as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event before the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day after the day on which the verdict of acquittal was entered.<br> (4) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the period specified in subsection (3).<br> (5) In this section, “relevant local authority” means—<br> (a) where the child with respect to whom the order was made is ordinarily resident within the area of a local authority in England or Wales, that local authority;<br> (b) where the child with respect to whom the order was made does not fall within paragraph (a) but is present within the area of a local authority in England or Wales, that local authority.””

<p>This new clause, to be inserted after clause 3, requires the Crown Court to restrict the parental responsibility of a person convicted of rape where a child was conceived as a result. If it is unclear whether the child was so conceived, the local authority must apply to the family court.</p>

10

Clause 3, page 6, line 2, leave out “for whom the offender has parental responsibility” and insert “, and<br> (b) the offender has parental responsibility for at least one child.””

<p>This would require the court to make an order restricting parental responsibility in all cases where an offender is sentenced to a relevant sentence for a serious sexual offence against a child. The duty would no longer be limited to cases where the offender had parental responsibility for the victim.</p>

11

Clause 3, page 7, line 11, after “reduced” insert “(if any)”

<p>This amendment clarifies that the obligation to apply for a review of a prohibited steps order under section 10D of the Children Act 1989 (inserted by clause 3) does not apply if there is no relevant local authority.</p>

12

Clause 4, page 7, line 33, leave out “(2)” and insert “(1A)”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC14 and Amendment 13.</p>

13

Clause 4, page 7, line 33, at end insert—<br> “(1A) In section 8(3), after “10A” insert “, 10C or 10E”.”

<p>This amendment provides that proceedings in the Crown Court under sections 10C (inserted by clause 3) or 10E (inserted by amendment NC14) of the Children Act 1989 will not constitute “family proceedings” for the purposes of that Act.</p>

14

Clause 4, page 7, line 35, leave out “or 10C” and insert “, 10C or 10E”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC14.</p>

15

Clause 4, page 8, line 4, at end insert—<br> “(3A) In section 10B, in subsection (2), after “made” insert “(if any)”.”

<p>This amendment clarifies that the obligation to apply for a review of a prohibited steps order under section 10B of the Children Act 1989 does not apply if there is no relevant local authority.</p>

16

Clause 4, page 8, line 7, leave out “or 10C” and insert “, 10C or 10E”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC14.</p>

17

Clause 4, page 8, line 10, leave out “or 10C” and insert “, 10C or 10E”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC14.</p>

18

Clause 4, page 8, line 10, at end insert—<br> “(b) after subsection (14) insert—<br> “(14A) The reference in subsection (14) and section 91A(5)(a)(iii) to the disposal of an application includes an application under the following provisions—<br> section 10B,<br> section 10D,<br> section 10F, or<br> section 10G.””

<p>This amendment confirms that the family court has the power to make an order under section 91(14) of the Children Act 1989 restraining the making of further applications pursuant to an application under the listed provisions.</p>

19

Clause 4, page 8, line 12, leave out “after “10B(6)” insert “10C(11) or 10D(4)”” and insert “for “section 10B(6)” substitute “—<br> section 10B(6),<br> section 10C(11),<br> section 10D(4),<br> section 10F(7), or<br> section 10G(4).””

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC14.</p>

20

Clause 4, page 8, line 14, leave out “or 10C” and insert “, 10C or 10E”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC14.</p>

21

Clause 4, page 8, line 17, leave out “and 10C” and insert “, 10C and 10E”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC14.</p>

9

Clause 3, page 6, line 43, at end insert—<br> <b>“10CA</b> <b>Duty to consider making a prohibited steps order where serious sexual offence committed against any child</b><br> (1) This section applies where the Crown Court sentences a person (“the offender”) to a term of imprison mentor detention of less than 4 years, for a serious sexual offence committed against any child.<br> (2) The Crown Court must consider whether to make a prohibited steps order with respect to each child for whom the offender has parental responsibility.<br> (3) A prohibited steps order must be made if the court is of the opinion that there is a significant risk to children of serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of further serious sexual offences.<br> (4) In making that assessment, the court must take into account—<br> (a) all the information that is available to it about the nature and circumstances of the offence,<br> (b) all the information that is available to it about the nature and circumstances of any other offences of which the offender has been convicted by a court anywhere in the world,<br> (c) any information which is before it about any pattern of behaviour of which any of the offences mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) forms part, and<br> (d) any other information about the offender which is before it.<br> (5) The reference in subsection (4)(b) to a conviction by a court includes a reference to—<br> (a) a conviction of an offence in—<br> (i) any proceedings under the Army Act 1955, the Air Force Act 1955 or the Naval Discipline Act 1957 (whether before a court-martial or any other court or person authorised under any of those Acts to award a punishment in respect of any offence), or<br> (ii) any proceedings before a Standing Civilian Court; where "conviction" includes the recording of a finding that a charge in respect of the offence has been proved, and<br> (b) a conviction of—<br> (i) a service offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006, or<br> (ii) an SDA offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059),<br> <span class="wrapped">where "conviction" includes anything that under section 376(1) and (2) of the Armed Forces Act 2006 is to be treated as a conviction.</span><br> (6) The prohibited steps order must—<br> (a) specify that no step of any kind which could be taken by a parent in meeting their parental responsibility for a child may be taken by the offender with respect to the child without the consent of the High Court or the family court, and<br> (b) be made to have effect until the order is varied or discharged by the High Court or the family court.<br> (7) But the Crown Court must not make a prohibited steps order under this section if—<br> (a) making the order is prohibited by section 29(3) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002,a prohibited steps order is already in force that meets the requirements in subsection (6), or<br> (b) it appears to the Crown Court that it would not be in the interests of justice to do so.<br> (8) The Crown Court must not make a prohibited steps order under this section, in respect of any child in respect of whom the offender has parental responsibility, if the Court is of the opinion that—<br> (a) the removal of parental responsibility is not in the best interests of that child; and<br> (b) there is no significant risk to that particular child of serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of further serious sexual offences.<br> (9) For the purposes of subsection (8), each child in respect of whom the offender has parental responsibility must be considered separately.<br> (10) A prohibited steps order made under this section does not cease to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal, but see section 10D.<br> (11) Sections 1, 7, and 11 do not apply where the Crown Court proceeds under this section.<br> (12) A prohibited steps order made under this section is to be treated for the purposes of section 31F(6) of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (proceedings and decisions) as if it were made by the family court.<br> (13) The Crown Court does not have jurisdiction to entertain any proceedings in connection with the enforcement of a prohibited steps order made under this section.<br> (14) A reference in this Act to an order under this section includes, so far as the context permits, an order varying or discharging it.<br> (15) In this section “serious sexual offence” means an offence listed under Schedule ZA1.<br> (16) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the list of offences in Schedule ZA1.<br> (17) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide guidance to the family court or High Court on the circumstances where the court would give consent to allow a step to be taken by a parent in meeting their parental responsibility for a child under subsection (6)(a).”

NC10

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to commission support services for victims of abuse and exploitation</b><br> (1) This section applies in respect of victims of offences relating to—<br> (a) domestic abuse,<br> (b) sexual violence, or<br> (c) child criminal exploitation.<br> (2) It is the duty of relevant authorities to commission sufficient and specific services for victims under subsection (1) in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice for England and Wales.<br> (3) Victim is defined as outlined in Section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.<br> (4) The services commissioned and provided for under subsection (2) must include, but are not limited to—<br> (a) specialist services for adult victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence,<br> (b) specialist services for child victims of exploitation, sexual abuse and domestic abuse,<br> (c) specialist advocacy and community-based services for victims with specific needs including (but not limited to)—<br> (i) child victims,<br> (ii) Deaf and disabled victims,<br> (iii) Black and minoritised victims, and<br> (iv) LGBTQ+ victims,<br> <span class="wrapped">in compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.</span><br> (5) In this section—<br> “child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025;<br> “relevant authorities” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025.”

NC11

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to commission support services for caregivers of victims of abuse and exploitation</b><br> (1) This section applies in respect of victims of offences relating to—<br> (a) domestic abuse,<br> (b) sexual violence, or<br> (c) child criminal exploitation,<br> where the victim—<br> (i) at the time of the offence, was under the age of 18, or<br> (ii) is an adult at risk of harm.<br> (2) It is the duty of relevant authorities to commission sufficient and specific services for the parent, guardian or person who has responsibility for the victim under subsection (1) for the purpose of securing the rights of the victim under the Victims Code of Practice for England and Wales.<br> (3) Victim is defined as outlined in Section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.<br> (4) The services commissioned and provided under subsection (2) must be—<br> (a) appropriate to the needs of the caregiver in supporting the victim,<br> (b) trauma-informed and culturally competent, and<br> (c) accessible without unreasonable delay or procedural burden.<br> (5) In exercising their duty under this section, relevant authorities must have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State.<br> (6) The Secretary of State must publish such guidance within six months of the passing of this Act, following consultation with relevant stakeholders including—<br> (a) victim support organisations,<br> (b) organisations representing children and vulnerable adults, and<br> (c) persons with lived-experience of the effects of sexual or violent offences.<br> (7) In this section—<br> “child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025,<br> “adult at risk of harm” means a person aged 18 or over who—<br> (a) has needs for care and support,<br> (b) is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and<br> (c) as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it, and<br> “relevant authorities” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025.”

NC9

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Victims of online and technology-enabled crimes</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, commission the Victims’ Commissioner to undertake a review of the support provided to victims of online or technology-enabled offences including, but not limited to—<br> (a) harassment and threats;<br> (b) deepfake image generation; and<br> (c) the premeditated filming and online sharing of violent attacks where the intent is to humiliate or cause distress.<br> (2) The review should consider the effectiveness of—<br> (a) the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales;<br> (b) any guidance on the treatment of victims in the criminal justice system; and<br> (c) support provided to victims by the criminal justice agencies.<br> (3) The Victims’ Commissioner must publish a report making recommendations to the Secretary of State within 12 months of the start of the review.”

NC7

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Extension of Victim Contact Scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must ensure that the Victim Contact Scheme is made available to—<br> (a) victims of offenders sentenced to less than 12 months for violent and sexual offences,<br> (b) victims in cases involving coercive or controlling behaviour, stalking, or harassment, and<br> (c) bereaved families in manslaughter or death by dangerous driving cases.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must ensure that information under the Victim Contact Scheme is communicated in a timely and trauma-informed manner.<br> (3) The Secretary of State must publish data each year on uptake and accessibility of the Victim Contact Scheme.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to extend the Victim Contact Scheme to certain categories of victim. It would also ensure information is provided in a timely, trauma-informed way and require annual reporting on the Scheme’s uptake and accessibility.</p>

NC8

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Access to free court transcripts for victims</b><br> (1) Victims of criminal offences shall be entitled to receive, without charge, court transcripts of—<br> (a) sentencing remarks,<br> (b) judicial summings-up,<br> (c) bail decisions and conditions relevant to their case.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must ensure that such transcripts are provided within 14 days of a request.<br> (3) The duty under subsection (1) shall apply irrespective of whether the victim gave evidence in the case.”

<p>This new clause would give victims a right to receive, free of charge, court transcripts of sentencing remarks, judicial summings-up, and bail decisions relevant to their case. It requires that transcripts be provided within 14 days of a request and clarifies that this right applies whether or not the victim gave evidence in the case.</p>

8

Clause 3, page 6, leave out lines 1 and 2 and insert “for a serious sexual offence committed against a child.

<p>This amendment would extend the provision of restricting parental responsibility where a parent is sentenced for a serious sexual offence committed against a child, regardless of whether it is their child or on the length of sentence handed down.</p>

NC1

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Child sexual abuse victims and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must amend the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to—<br> (a) widen eligibility for compensation to all victims of child sexual abuse, including online-facilitated sexual abuse;<br> (b) ensure applicants with unspent convictions are not automatically excluded where offences are linked to the circumstances of their sexual abuse as a child; and<br> (c) increase the time limit for applications for compensation from victims of child sexual abuse to seven years from—<br> (i) the date the offence was reported to the police; or<br> (ii) the age of 18, where the offence was reported while the victim was a child.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a new draft of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme within six months of this section coming into force.”

<p>This new clause would widen eligibility for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to all victims of child sexual abuse.</p>

NC3

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Death by homicide of British nationals abroad</b><br> (1) The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 is amended as follows.<br> (2) In section 1(2)(c), at end insert “, including the death by homicide of a British national outside the United Kingdom”.”

<p>This new clause would expand the definition of victim to include bereaved close relatives of British nationals who are victims of homicide abroad for the purpose of providing them with rights under the Victims’ Code.</p>

NC4

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Victim personal statements</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State shall, within six months of the passing of this Act, issue revised guidance on the content of victim personal statements.<br> (2) The revised guidance issued under subsection (1) must stipulate that when making a victim personal statement, a victim shall be able to say anything they wish about the defendant, provided it is not contrary to any statutory limitations on free speech, makes allegations of untried criminal conduct or is disorderly language.<br> (3) The court must disregard any prejudicial comments made during a victim personal statement.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review how to make victim personal statements less restrictive and clarify what can be included.</p>

NC5

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to collect and publish data upon sentencing</b><br> (1) At the time of passing a sentence by a judge or magistrate the relevant court must provide to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (“HMCTS”) the following information regarding the sentence passed—<br> (a) offence type,<br> (b) sentence length,<br> (c) such information about the sentenced individual as the Secretary of State sees fit, which must include—<br> (i) nationality,<br> (ii) method of entry to the United Kingdom,<br> (iii) visa route,<br> (iv) visa status,<br> (v) asylum status,<br> (vi) country of birth, and<br> (vii) biological sex.<br> (2) HMCTS must collect and collate the information on the basis set out in subsection (1) on sentences passed in the courts.<br> (3) Once every three months, the Secretary of State must publish statistics based on the information collected by HMCTS under subsection (2).”

NC6

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Court transcripts of sentencing remarks</b><br> (1) All sentencing remarks made in the Crown Court must be published within two sitting days of being delivered.<br> (2) All publications must be freely available to all members of the public.”

1

Clause 3, page 6, line 1, leave out “of 4 years or more”

<p>This amendment would ensure that where a person is sent to prison because of a sexual offence the court would be under a duty to make a prohibited steps order.</p>

2

Clause 3, page 6, line 2, leave out “for whom the offender has parental responsibility.”

<p>This amendment would ensure the court was under a duty to make a prohibited steps order where anyone is sent to prison because of a sexual offence against a child, whether or not that child was one for which they had parental responsibility.</p>

3

Clause 3, page 6, line 20, leave out from “section” to end of line 25 and insert “ceases to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal.<br> (5A) A prohibited steps order made under this section does not cease to have effect if the sentence is reduced, on appeal, so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of 4 years or more.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that a prohibited steps order would cease to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal. It would also require that a prohibited steps order remain in effect where a sentence is reduced on appeal so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of four years or more.</p>

4

Clause 11, page 12, line 21, at end insert—<br> “(aa) in that sub-paragraph omit “28” and insert “56"”

<p>This amendment increases the window for applying to the Unduly Lenient Sentences Scheme from 28 days to 56 days.</p>

5

Clause 11, page 12, line 23, after “(2)” insert “unless an application is made by a victim, or their deceased victim’s next of kin, in which case notice of an application shall be given within one year.”

<p>This amendment increases the window for applying to the Unduly Lenient Sentences Scheme to one year for a victim of a crime or a deceased victim’s next of kin.</p>

6

Clause 11, page 12, line 29, leave out “28” and insert “56”

<p>This amendment is contingent on Amendment 4.</p>

7

Clause 11, page 12, line 39, at end insert—<br> “(5) In accordance with the provision under sub-paragraph (1) the Crown Prosecution Service must write to the victim, or a deceased victim’s next of kin, within 10 working days of the sentence being delivered to make them aware of their ability to apply for a review of sentencing.”

<p>This amendment is contingent on Amendment 5. It would require the CPS to write to a victim, or a deceased victim’s next of kin, within 10 working days of a sentence being delivered to make them aware of their ability to apply for a review.</p>

NC3

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Death by homicide of British nationals abroad</b><br> (1) The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 is amended as follows.<br> (2) In section 1(2)(c), at end insert—<br> “, including the death by homicide of a British national outside the United Kingdom””

<p>This new clause would expand the definition of victim to include bereaved close relatives of British nationals who are victims of homicide abroad for the purpose of providing them with rights under the Victims’ Code.</p>

NC2

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Sentencing: duty when giving custodial sentence to offender who has a child</b><br> (1) At the time of passing a custodial sentence by a judge or magistrate the relevant court must instruct HM Courts and Tribunals Service (“HMCTS”) to determine whether an offender has—<br> (a) a dependent child,<br> (b) parental responsibility for a child, or<br> (c) a child living in their household.<br> (2) As soon as reasonably practicable after establishing whether an offender has responsibility for or contact with a child as under subsection (1), HMCTS must notify the relevant local authority and relevant agencies where a child lives with such information about the sentenced individual as the Secretary of State sees fit, which must include—<br> (a) offence type,<br> (b) sentence length, and<br> (c) the offender’s registered home address and date of birth.<br> (3) In this Section—<br> “local authority” has the same meaning as in the Children Act 2004 (see section 65);<br> “relevant agency” in relation to a local authority area in England, means a person who exercises functions in that area in relation to children.”

<p>This new clause would introduce a duty on courts to ascertain whether an offender has responsibility for, or contact with a child at the time of passing a custodial sentence and for the courts to notify relevant local safeguarding teams details of the sentence passed by a judge or magistrate.</p>

NC15

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to collect and publish data upon sentencing</b><br> (1) At the time of passing a sentence by a judge or magistrate the relevant court must provide to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (“HMCTS”) the following information regarding the sentence passed—<br> (a) offence type,<br> (b) sentence length,<br> (c) such information about the sentenced individual as the Secretary of State sees fit, which must include—<br> (i) nationality,<br> (ii) method of entry to the United Kingdom,<br> (iii) visa route,<br> (iv) visa status,<br> (v) asylum status, and<br> (vi) country of birth.<br> (2) HMCTS must collect and collate the information on the basis set out in subsection (1) on sentences passed in the courts.<br> (3) Once every three months, the Secretary of State must publish statistics based on the information collected by HMCTS under subsection (2).”

NC14

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Unpaid court fines</b><br> (1) The Limitation Act 1980 is amended as follows.<br> (2) After section 9(1) insert—<br> “, except in the circumstances where a fine has been handed down by the Crown Court in respect of an offence.<br> (1A) Where the circumstances referred to subsection (1) apply, the Secretary of State shall have the power to bring proceedings for the recovery of any amount in unpaid fines at any time.”

NC10

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Sentencing guidelines on court fines</b><br> Within 18 months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Sentencing Council must revise relevant sentencing guidelines so that the court must award compensation to a victim to the value of items stolen when imposing compensation for the offence of theft, burglary, fraud, or any other crime that has resulted in a financial loss to the victim.”

<p>This new clause would require the Sentencing Council to revise sentencing guidelines so that a court must impose compensation commensurate to the value of stolen items when issuing fines.</p>

9

Clause 11, page 12, line 22, at end insert—<br> “(aa) in that sub-paragraph omit “28” and insert “56””

<p>This amendment increases the window for applying to the Unduly Lenient Sentences Scheme from 28 days to 56 days.</p>

10

Clause 11, page 12, line 23, after “(2)” insert “unless an application is made by a victim, or their deceased victim’s next of kin, in which case notice of an application shall be given within one year”

<p>This amendment increases the window for applying to the Unduly Lenient Sentences Scheme to one year for a victim of a crime or a deceased victim’s next of kin.</p>

11

Clause 11, page 12, line 29, leave out “28” and insert “56”

<p>This amendment is contingent on Amendment 8.</p>

12

Clause 11, page 12, line 39, at end insert—<br> “(5) In accordance with the provision under sub-paragraph (1) the Crown Prosecution Service must write to the victim, or a deceased victim’s next of kin, within 10 working days of the sentence being delivered to make them aware of their ability to apply for a review of sentencing.”

<p>This amendment is contingent on Amendment 9. It would require the CPS to write to a victim, or a deceased victim’s next of kin, within 10 working days of a sentence being delivered to make them aware of their ability to apply for a review.</p>

NC2

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to commission support services for victims of abuse and exploitation</b><br> (1) It is the duty of relevant local commissioning bodies to commission sufficient and specific support services for victims of abuse and exploitation in accordance with need.<br> (2) The services commissioned and provided under subsection (1) must include, but are not limited to—<br> (a) specialist services for adult victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence;<br> (b) specialist services for child victims of exploitation, sexual abuse and domestic abuse;<br> (c) specialist advocacy and community-based services for victims with specific needs including – but not limited to – child victims, d/Deaf and disabled victims, Black and minoritised victims and LGBTQ+ victims, in compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.<br> (3) For the purpose of section (1), “relevant local commissioning bodies” include –<br> (a) local policing bodies;<br> (b) integrated care boards, established under Chapter A3 of Part 2 of the National Health Service Act 2006;<br> (c) local authorities.<br> (4) For the purpose of section (1), commissioning services "in accordance with need" should at a minimum be based on outcomes from joint strategic needs assessments undertaken in accordance with section 14 (3) and (4) of the Victims and Prisoners Act.”

<p>This new clause would place a duty on relevant local statutory agencies to commission specific support services for victims of abuse and exploitation, including tailored services for those with specific needs, informed by strategic assessments of the needs of victims in their local area.</p>

NC3

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Provision of support for caregivers of victims of sexual or violent offences</b><br> (1) A relevant authority must commission and make available appropriate support services for the parent, guardian or person who has responsibility for the care of a victim of a sexual or violent offence, who—<br> (a) at the time of the offence, was under the age of 18, or<br> (b) is an adult at risk of harm.<br> (2) Services commissioned under this section must be—<br> (a) appropriate to the needs of the caregiver in supporting the recovery and ongoing care of the victim,<br> (b) trauma-informed and culturally competent, and<br> (c) accessible without unreasonable delay or procedural burden.<br> (3) “Relevant authority” for the purposes of this section includes—<br> (a) Police and Crime Commissioners,<br> (b) Local authorities in England and Wales,<br> (c) Integrated Care Boards, and<br> (d) any other body designated by the Secretary of State by regulations.<br> (4) In exercising their duty under this section, relevant authorities must have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State.<br> (5) The Secretary of State must publish such guidance within six months of the passing of this Act, following consultation with relevant stakeholders including—<br> (a) victim support organisations,<br> (b) organisations representing children and vulnerable adults, and<br> (c) persons with lived-experience of the effects of sexual or violent offences.<br> (6) In this section—<br> “Adult at risk of harm” means a person aged 18 or over who—<br> (a) has needs for care and support,<br> (b) is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and<br> (c) as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it;<br> “Sexual and violent offences” include those offences listed under Part 3 of Schedule 2 of this Act.”

<p>The new clause would introduce a statutory duty to commission services to support a parent, guardian or responsible adult where the victim is under 18 or an adult at risk of harm and who has been a victim of sexual or violent crime.</p>

NC4

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Court transcripts of sentencing remarks</b><br> (1) All sentencing remarks made in the Crown Court must be published within two sitting days of being delivered.<br> (2) All publications must be freely available to all members of the public.”

NC5

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Court transcripts</b><br> (1) All court transcripts from the Crown Court must be published within two sitting days of being delivered.<br> (2) All publications must be freely available to all members of the public.”

NC6

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Publication of data</b><br> The Secretary of State must publish, on a quarterly basis, statistics on—<br> (a) the nationality,<br> (b) method of entry to the United Kingdom,<br> (c) visa route,<br> (d) visa status,<br> (e) asylum status, and<br> (f) country of birth,<br> <span class="wrapped">of people found guilty and sentenced in the crown court and the magistrates’ court.”</span>

NC7

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Court delays: impact on victims</b><br> Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must undertake a review of the impact that delays in the court system have on victims.”

NC8

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Victim personal statements</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State shall, within six months of the passing of this Act, issue revised guidance on the content of victim personal statements.<br> (2) The revised guidance issued under subsection (1) must stipulate that when making a victim personal statement, a victim shall be able to say anything they wish about the defendant, provided it is not contrary to any statutory limitations on free speech, makes allegations of untried criminal conduct or is disorderly language.<br> (3) The court must disregard any prejudicial comments made during a victim personal statement.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review how to make victim personal statements less restrictive and clarify what can be included.</p>

NC9

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Unpaid court fines</b><br> (1) The Limitation Act 1980 is amended as follows.<br> (2) For section 9 (Time limit for actions for sums recoverable by statute substitute—<br> <b>“9</b> <b>Actions for sums recoverable by statute.</b><br> (1) An action to recover any sum recoverable by virtue of any enactment can be brought at any time.<br> (2) The Secretary of State shall have the power to bring proceedings for the recovery of any amount in unpaid fines and court fees owed as a civil debt.<br> (3) In this part, a fine includes any sum ordered to be paid under an order referred to in section 24, subsection (1) of the Courts Act 2003 and also includes any sum which falls to be treated as a fine by virtue of the definition in subsection (4) of that section.””

<p>This new clause enables the recovery of fines imposed by the court indefinitely (as opposed to a six-year limitation) and gives the Secretary of State the power to recover amounts owed.</p>

NC11

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Extension of Victim Contact Scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must ensure that the Victim Contact Scheme is made available to—<br> (a) victims of offenders sentenced to less than 12 months for violent and sexual offences,<br> (b) victims in cases involving coercive or controlling behaviour, stalking, or harassment, and<br> (c) bereaved families in manslaughter or death by dangerous driving cases.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must ensure that information under the Victim Contact Scheme is communicated in a timely and trauma-informed manner.<br> (3) The Secretary of State must publish data each year on uptake and accessibility of the Victim Contact Scheme.”

NC12

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Access to free court transcripts for victims</b><br> (1) Victims of criminal offences shall be entitled to receive, without charge, court transcripts of—<br> (a) sentencing remarks,<br> (b) judicial summings-up,<br> (c) bail decisions and conditions relevant to their case.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must ensure that such transcripts are provided within 14 days of a request.<br> (3) The duty under subsection (1) shall apply irrespective of whether the victim gave evidence in the case.”

NC13

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Restricting parental responsibility of certain offenders</b><br> After section 10B of the Children Act 1989 insert—<br> <b>“10CA</b> <b>Duty to make prohibited steps order where serious sexual or violent offence committed</b><br> (1) This section applies where the Crown Court sentences a person (“the offender”) to a life sentence, or a term of imprisonment or detention of 10 years or more, for a serious sexual offence or violent offence committed against someone with whom they share parental responsibility for a child.<br> (2) The Crown Court must make a prohibited steps order with respect to each child for whom the offender has parental responsibility.<br> (3) The order must—<br> (a) specify that no step of any kind which could be taken by a parent in meeting their parental responsibility for a child may be taken by the offender with respect to the child without the consent of the High Court or the family court, and<br> (b) be made to have effect until the order is varied or discharged by the High Court or the family court.<br> (4) But the Crown Court must not make a prohibited steps order under this section if—<br> (a) making the order is prohibited by section 29(3) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002,<br> (b) a prohibited steps order is already in force that meets the requirements in subsection (3), or<br> (c) it appears to the Crown Court that it would not be in the interests of justice to do so.<br> (5) A prohibited steps order made under this section does not cease to have effect if—<br> (a) the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal, or<br> (b) the sentence is reduced, on appeal, so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of 4 years or more,<br> <span class="wrapped">but see section 10D.</span><br> (6) Sections 1, 7 and 11 do not apply where the Crown Court proceeds under this section.<br> (7) A prohibited steps order made under this section is to be treated for the purposes of section 31F(6) of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (proceedings and decisions) as if it were made by the family court.<br> (8) The Crown Court does not have jurisdiction to entertain any proceedings in connection with the enforcement of a prohibited steps order made under this section.<br> (9) A reference in this Act to an order under this section includes, so far as the context permits, an order varying or discharging it.<br> (10) In this section—<br> “life sentence” means a sentence of imprisonment, detention or custody for life, or during His Majesty’s pleasure;<br> “serious sexual offence” means an offence listed in Schedule ZA1;<br> “violent offence” means an offence of homicide, assault or robbery.<br> (11) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the list of offences in Schedule ZA1.””

13

Clause 1, page 1, line 17, at end insert—<br> “(3A) If the court is minded not to make an order under subsection (2), the court has a duty to consult the victim or their family if a victim is deceased.”

15

Clause 1, page 2, line 2, leave out from “force,” to end of line, and insert “so long as it is not grossly disproportionate.”

23

Clause 1, page 3, line 33, at end insert—<br> <b>“41C</b> <b>Power to restrain and gag a disruptive offender</b><br> (1) This section applies where during attendance at a sentencing hearing an offender is disruptive of court proceedings.<br> (2) The Judge may order the offender to be restrained and gagged to reduce their disruption.<br> (3) When a Judge is minded not to make an order under subsection (2) and instead remove the offender from the court room they must consult the victim or their family if the victim is deceased.”

14

Clause 2, page 4, line 11, at end insert—<br> “(3A) If the court is minded not to make an order under subsection (2), the court has a duty to consult the victim and their family if they are deceased.”

16

Clause 2, page 4, line 24, leave out from “force,” to end of line and insert “so long as it is not grossly disproportionate.”

24

Clause 3, page 6, leave out lines 1 and 2 and insert “for a serious sexual offence committed against a child.”

<p>This amendment would extend the provision of restricting parental responsibility where a parent is sentenced for a serious sexual offence committed against a child, regardless of whether it is their child or on the length of sentence handed down.</p>

17

Clause 3, page 6, line 1, leave out “of 4 years or more”

<p>This amendment would ensure that where anyone is sent to prison because of a sexual offence the court would be under a duty to make a prohibited steps order.</p>

18

Clause 3, page 6, line 2, leave out “for whom the offender has parental responsibility.”

<p>This amendment would ensure the court was under a duty to make a prohibited steps order where anyone is sent to prison because of a sexual offence against a child, whether or not that child was one for which they had parental responsibility.</p>

25

Clause 3, page 6, line 19, after “justice” insert “or of a child and the non-offending parent”

<p>This amendment would mean that a judge could have discretion to decide not to make a prohibited steps order when it was not deemed in the interest of a child and the non-offending parent.</p>

19

Clause 3, page 6, line 20, leave out from “not” to end of line 25 and insert “ceases to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal.<br> (5A) A prohibited steps order made under this section does not cease to have effect if the sentence is reduced, on appeal, so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of 4 years or more.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that a prohibited steps order would cease to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal. It would also require that a prohibited steps order remain in effect where a sentence is reduced on appeal so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of four years or more.</p>

8

Clause 3, page 6, line 43, at end insert—<br> <b>“10CA Duty to consider make prohibited steps order where serious sexual offence committed against any child</b><br> (1) This section applies where the Crown Court sentences a person (“the offender”) to a term of imprisonment or detention of less than 4 years, for a serious sexual offence committed against any child.<br> (2) The Crown Court must make a prohibited steps order with respect to each child for whom the offender has parental responsibility.<br> (3) A prohibited steps order must be made if the court is of the opinion that there is a significant risk to children of serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of further serious sexual offences.<br> (4) In making that assessment, the court—<br> (a) must take into account all the information that is available to it about the nature and circumstances of the offence,<br> (b) may take into account all the information that is available to it about the nature and circumstances of any other offences of which the offender has been convicted by a court anywhere in the world,<br> (c) may take into account any information which is before it about any pattern of behaviour of which any of the offences mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) forms part, and<br> (d) may take into account any information about the offender which is before it.<br> (5) The reference in subsection (4)(b) to a conviction by a court includes a reference to—<br> (a) a conviction of an offence in—<br> (i) any proceedings under the Army Act 1955, the Air Force Act 1955 or the Naval Discipline Act 1957 (whether before a court-martial or any other court or person authorised under any of those Acts to award a punishment in respect of any offence), or<br> (ii) any proceedings before a Standing Civilian Court;<br> <span class="wrapped">where "conviction" includes the recording of a finding that a charge in respect of the offence has been proved), and</span><br> (b) a conviction of—<br> (i) a service offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006, or<br> (ii) an SDA offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059),<br> <span class="wrapped">where "conviction" includes anything that under section 376(1) and (2) of the Armed Forces Act 2006 is to be treated as a conviction).</span><br> (6) The order must be made to have effect until the order is varied or discharged by the High Court or the family court.<br> (7) But the Crown Court must not make a prohibited steps order under this section if—<br> (a) making the order is prohibited by section 29(3) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002,<br> (b) a prohibited steps order is already in force that meets the requirements in subsection (3), or<br> (c) it appears to the Crown Court that it would not be in the interests of justice to do so.<br> (8) Further, the Crown Court must not make a prohibited steps order under this section if—in respect of any child in respect of whom the offender has parental responsibility—the Court is of the opinion that—<br> (a) the removal of parental responsibility is not in the best interests of that child; and<br> (b) there is no significant risk to that particular child of serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of further serious sexual offences.<br> (9) For the purposes of subsection (8), each child in respect of whom the offender has parental responsibility must be considered separately.<br> (10) A prohibited steps order made under this section does not cease to have effect if—<br> (a) the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal, or<br> (b) the sentence is reduced, on appeal, so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of 4 years or more, but see section 10D.<br> (11) Sections 1, 10 and 16 do not apply where the Crown Court proceeds under this section.<br> (12) A prohibited steps order made under this section is to be treated for the purposes of section 31F(6) of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (proceedings and decisions) as if it were made by the family court.<br> (13) The Crown Court does not have jurisdiction to entertain any proceedings in connection with the enforcement of a prohibited steps order made under this section.<br> (14) A reference in this Act to an order under this section includes, so far as the context permits, an order varying or discharging it.<br> (15) In this section “serious sexual offence” shall have the same meaning as that in s.10C.<br> (16) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the list of offences in Schedule ZA1.”

20

Clause 3, page 7, line 4, leave out from “and” to end of line 9

<p>This amendment is linked to Amendment 22.</p>

21

Clause 3, page 7, line 14, leave out from “and” to end of line 16

<p>This amendment is linked to Amendment 22.</p>

22

Clause 3, page 7, leave out line 20

<p>This amendment, along with Amendments 20 and 21, would ensure that there has to be a review by the family court in all instances where a prohibited steps order is issued.</p>

1

Clause 9, page 11, line 4, leave out “persons” and insert “a person”

<p>This amendment and Amendments 2 to 7 ensure that exemptions conferred by sections 1 and 5 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 remain available to persons with rights of audience in relation to certain proceedings in the Senior Courts and all proceedings in the county court and magistrates’ court.</p>

2

Clause 9, page 11, line 5, after “subsection (3)” insert “who does not have a general qualification (within the meaning given by section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990)”

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 1.</p>

3

Clause 9, page 11, line 11, leave out “persons designated for the purposes of subsection (3)” and insert “such a person”

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 1.</p>

4

Clause 9, page 11, line 19, after “omit “” insert “but”

<p>This amendment updates the text to be omitted from section 5(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 so that the provision reads correctly in light of the amendment to that provision currently included in the Bill.</p>

5

Clause 9, page 11, line 22, leave out “persons” and insert “a person”

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 1.</p>

6

Clause 9, page 11, line 23, after “subsection (1)” insert “who does not have a general qualification (within the meaning given by section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990)”

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 1.</p>

7

Clause 9, page 11, line 29, leave out “persons appointed under subsection (1)” and insert “such a person”

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 1.</p>

NC1

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Child sexual abuse victims and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must amend the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to—<br> (a) widen eligibility for compensation to all victims of child sexual abuse, including online-facilitated sexual abuse;<br> (b) ensure applicants with unspent convictions are not automatically excluded where offences are linked to the circumstances of their sexual abuse as a child; and<br> (c) increase the time limit for applications for compensation from victims of child sexual abuse to seven years from—<br> (i) the date the offence was reported to the police; or<br> (ii) the age of 18, where the offence was reported while the victim was a child.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a new draft of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme within six months of this section coming into force.”

<p>This new clause would widen eligibility for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to all victims of child sexual abuse.</p>