The Victims and Courts Bill has progressed to its third reading in the House of Lords, scheduled for Monday, 16 March 2026. This legislation aims to implement significant reforms within the criminal justice system, including compelling offenders to attend sentencing hearings and restricting parental responsibility for certain sex offenders.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill introduces several pivotal changes:
- Offender Attendance at Sentencing: Mandates that offenders be present during their sentencing hearings, ensuring accountability and providing closure for victims.
- Parental Responsibility Restrictions: Limits the parental rights of individuals convicted of specific sexual offenses, prioritizing child welfare.
- Enhanced Powers for the Victims' Commissioner: Expands the authority of the Victims' Commissioner to advocate more effectively for victims' rights.
- Eligibility Criteria for Crown Prosecutor Appointments: Broadens the qualifications required for Crown Prosecutors, aiming to diversify and strengthen the prosecutorial body.
- Extended Time Limits for Sentence Reviews: Increases the timeframe within which the Attorney General's Office can review cases under the unduly lenient sentences scheme, allowing for more thorough evaluations.
Amendments and Debates
During the report stage, members of the House of Lords considered and voted on various amendments, including:
- Providing victims with free access to court transcripts.
- Applying the victims' code to cases of murder, manslaughter, or infanticide occurring abroad.
- Publishing court transcripts of sentencing remarks to enhance transparency.
- Extending the time limit for appealing sentences deemed unduly lenient.
- Removing clauses related to regulations on costs payable out of central funds for private prosecutions.
All proposed amendments were agreed upon, reflecting a consensus on the need for these reforms.
Next Steps
The third reading of the Victims and Courts Bill is set for Monday, 16 March 2026. This stage offers a final opportunity for members to debate the content of the bill and make any last-minute amendments before it proceeds to the House of Commons for further consideration.
For more detailed information, refer to the official UK Parliament news release: Victims and Courts Bill concludes Lords report stage.
