Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bellamy on 14 April (HL7073), why they do not intend to review the composition or functions of the Sentencing Council.

The Sentencing Council was reviewed as part of the Tailored Review Programme in 2018. The review found that the current delivery model is still the most appropriate, that the Council’s functions are still required, and that it is effective and efficient in the delivery of its responsibilities.

The Ministry of Justice’s current programme for 2022-2025 is prioritised in line with the published guidance. In the context of the Department’s Public Bodies landscape, we do not assess that the Sentencing Council poses the biggest risk to delivery, nor does it pose major opportunities to deliver significant financial efficiencies. It has also not been recommended for review by the Cabinet Office. Once agreed, public bodies confirmed for review are published on GOV.UK.