§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the membership, role and functions of the proposed Sentencing Guidelines Council; and what plans he has to ensure that there are representatives on the Council from all Government regions.[144743]
§ Paul GogginsThe composition and functions of the Sentencing Guidelines Council are defined by the Criminal Justice Act 2003. The Council will be responsible for setting guidelines for the full range of criminal offences and on general sentencing matters. These guidelines will apply to all courts
The range of offending behaviour covered by an offence is usually very wide. The guidelines will help to ensure that there is a clear starting point for sentence and agreed aggravating and mitigating factors. The purpose of creating the Council is to achieve greater consistency of sentencing throughout England and Wales
The Council will consist of the Lord Chief Justice, seven judicial members appointed by the Lord Chancellor and four non judicial members appointed by the Home Secretary. Non-judicial members are eligible for appointment if they have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Policing
- Criminal prosecution
- Criminal defence
- The promotion of the Welfare victims
The criteria for membership are defined in the Act; these do not include any reference to Government Regions.