HC Deb 30 June 1997 vol 297 cc1-2W
Mrs. Brinton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to review the funding for victim support schemes; [5982]

(2) when he plans to make a decision on the provision and funding of a helpline service for all victims of crime. [5984]

Mr. Michael

We regard support for victims of crime as a priority. We have therefore made available immediately an additional £1 million a year for the work of Victim Support, taking their annual grant to £12.7 million. The extra money will enable Victim Support to set up a national helpline for victims of crime, and to develop further the work of their court-based and local support schemes. We shall maintain a continuing dialogue with Victim Support about their programme of work and funding.

Mrs. Brinton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the feasibility and cost of providing a nationwide victim support service for witnesses in magistrates courts. [5983]

Mr. Michael

We have received a number of representations about the perceived need to improve services for victims, witnesses and other users of magistrates courts, although details have not been collated centrally. A draft final research consultancy report commissioned to assess those needs and to recommend realistic and affordable options for improving support is currently being considered by a standing group of officials from the Government departments and criminal justice agencies with an interest in improving the court/trials process. Victim Support is represented on that group. The group's deliberations should help us to determine priorities for improving services for users of magistrates' courts and how these might best be provided.