Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of whether sentences for theft of agricultural machinery and equipment adequately reflect the economic impact of such offences on farming businesses.

The Government recognises the significant impact that theft of agricultural machinery and equipment can have on farming businesses and rural communities. These offences can result in substantial financial loss, disruption to business operations and wider economic harm in rural areas.

We are committed to tackling rural crime and supporting the policing response to these offences. This year, the Home Office is providing over £800,000 to the National Rural Crime Unit and National Wildlife Crime Unit, supporting intelligence development, operational coordination, and specialist capabilities to tackle rural and wildlife crime across England and Wales.

At the point of sentencing, Sentencing Council guidelines for theft offences make clear that significant financial loss or serious disruption caused to a victim's business may be treated as an aggravating factor, which can result in a more severe sentence being imposed. Courts must follow sentencing guidelines unless it would be contrary to the interest of justice to do so.

Courts must, by law, also consider whether to make a compensation order requiring offenders to make financial reparation to victims for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence, and must give reasons where they decide not to make such an order.