The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has formally responded to the Victims’ Commissioner’s damning report, Justice Delayed, which highlights the impact of the Crown Court backlog on victims, victim services, and the wider criminal justice system.
In a letter published on 25th April 2025, Alex Davies-Jones MP, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, acknowledged the “human cost” of court delays, describing it as “unacceptable” that victims are left waiting years for justice. She pledged that the Government will “work tirelessly” to address the crisis.
The MoJ emphasised that action is already being taken ahead of Sir Brian Leveson’s independent review into criminal court reform. Recent measures include increasing Crown Court sitting days to a record 110,000 next year – up 4,000 compared to the previous Government – and expanding magistrates’ sentencing powers to ease Crown Court pressures.
The response also addressed several of the Victims’ Commissioner’s key recommendations:
- Improving Victim Communication: While not committing to a full review, the Government pledged to consult on communication improvements during an upcoming update of the Victims’ Code, including the potential for ‘single point of contact’ navigators.
- Needs Assessments: Ministers acknowledged shortcomings in the current process and expressed openness to enhancing needs assessments during court proceedings to better support vulnerable victims.
- Delays in Rape and Sexual Violence Cases: The Government reiterated its commitment to fast-tracking rape cases as part of its goal to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
- Compensation Access: While rejecting a recommendation to extend application deadlines for criminal injuries compensation, the MoJ pledged to raise awareness that victims do not need to wait until the conclusion of criminal trials to apply.
- Court System Oversight: The MoJ rejected the call to reinstate an independent courts inspectorate, arguing that existing monitoring structures, including HM Inspectorate of Prisons and Lay Observers, are sufficient and better value for money.
On wider system reforms, the Ministry agreed on the importance of balancing the rights of victims, defendants, and the public but defended the current Criminal Procedure Rules and Criminal Practice Directions, stating they already consider the interests of victims.
Looking ahead, the Government promised a full evaluation of the Case Coordinator pilot programme by autumn 2025 and recognised the need for stronger victim services. It cited forthcoming reforms under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which will require local bodies to collaborate more effectively when commissioning services for domestic abuse, sexual violence, and serious violence victims.
In closing, Davies-Jones thanked the Victims’ Commissioner for her work, promising that victims’ voices would continue to shape reforms.
