32. Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Solicitor-General when victim impact statements will be permitted; and what plans he has for assisting victims in providing such statements. [142370]
§ 35. Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Solicitor-General when victim impact statements will be permitted; and what plans he has for assisting victims in providing such statements. [142374]
The Solicitor-GeneralThe Home Secretary earlier this year announced his plans to introduce during 2001 victim personal statements (previously referred to as victim impact statements or simply victim statements). The new name was adopted to make it clear that these statements will not deal solely with the effects of the crime upon the victim. This remains their principal purpose, but personal statements will also enable victims to say what they feel about many other issues important to them. They may, for example, wish to voice their fears about intimidation and their concerns about bail; say whether they wish to seek compensation; whether they would like information on the progress of the case; whether they would welcome help from the support agencies; and so forth.
Criminal justice agencies are working with the police and Victim Support to produce guidance on how the new scheme will operate. The guidance will include an explanatory leaflet for victims, notes for practitioners and a booklet for police officers giving advice on the scope and purpose of the scheme.