Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of making (a) full transcripts and (b) audio recordings of hearings in the Crown Court free for victims of crime.

The government is constantly assessing how to improve the experience and support that victims receive within the criminal justice system, including mechanisms to facilitate the access to court transcripts and audio recordings of court hearings.

We understand that the ability to access transcripts from court proceedings is an essential part of maintaining transparency and accountability within the justice system. However, there is a cost attached to transcribing lengthy audio of a hearing, which in some cases can run into thousands of pounds. Providing the full transcripts of a hearing free of charge to all crime victims, risks diverting resources away from other key services. To help with transcription costs, we have made sure that bereaved family members of victims of homicide and death by dangerous driving can get a copy of the judicial Sentencing Remarks (a specific part of the hearing) paid for by the public purse. The Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunals Service continue to seek ways to reduce the fees that victims are required to pay to obtain transcripts in criminal proceedings. In particular, we will explore how technology could be used to reduce the costs of transcription, with a view of passing on the savings to parties.

With regard to audio recordings, anyone, including victims, can apply to the court for permission to listen to the recording of the hearing at a suitable court location, free of charge and at judicial discretion.