Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what guidance is provided to police and victim support services on supporting victims of rural crime in cases where no suspect is charged.

The Government is committed to ensuring all victims, including victims of rural crime, have access to the information and support they need to navigate the criminal justice system. Under the Victims’ Code, all victims are entitled to information about and referral to victim support services, regardless of whether a suspect has been identified or charged.

While there is no specific national guidance for victims of rural crime, Chief Constables are operationally independent and are best placed to tailor local policing responses to the needs of their communities. The Ministry of Justice funds Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to commission local victim support services, based on their assessment of local need, including those affected by rural crime.

The Government also recognises the wider challenges of responding to rural crime and therefore collaborated with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Home Office on the 2025-28 Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy, published in November 2025. This joined-up approach supports efforts to tackle rural crime. Rural communities will also benefit from the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, helping to address crimes such as anti-social behaviour and county lines activity.

In 2025/26, the Home Office provided the first funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit and are continuing this funding of over £800,000 throughout 2026/27 to help specialist policing units tackle crimes that predominantly affect rural communities.