§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his review of sentencing policy will consider disparities in sentencing for similar offences in different parts of the country. [134781]
§ Mr. BoatengThe terms of reference of the Review of the Sentencing Framework were specifically set within the context of the Government's objectives of protecting the public by reducing crime and re-offending, and dispensing justice fairly and consistently, and the issue of consistency is one which the review team will have in mind in making their recommendations.
Measures are already in place to try to improve consistency in sentencing. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places a statutory duty on the Court of Appeal to have regard to the need to promote consistency in sentencing when framing or revising sentencing guidelines.
In addition, the Magistrates Association has issued revised sentencing guidelines earlier this year. It has also asked benches in England and Wales to consider, in light of sentencing data for 1998, whether sentencing practices should be reviewed and ultimately adjusted within their areas.