Written questions by Vickers.

What recent steps his Department has taken to balance the rights of prisoners to timely parole review with the need to (a) protect the public and (b) support victims.

The Parole Board plays a vital role in public protection. It can only direct release if it is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the offender must remain in custody. To ensure each case can receive thorough scrutiny, once a case is referred to the Board there is no time limit in which a decision must be made. Each case is considered individually and the proceedings are managed according to the specific circumstances involved.We recognise the uncertainty and distress that parole hearings will cause for victims. Prolonged reviews are regrettable but the nature of parole proceedings means that the Board’s panel will often need to direct additional information or specialist reports to complete their risk assessment and this must be the priority for public protection reasons.Eligible victims registered with the Victim Contact Scheme are kept up to date during the parole review by dedicated Victim Liaison Officers.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that all relevant (a) intelligence and (b) behavioural evidence is available to the Parole Board it makes release decisions.

Qualified prison and probation officers, together with qualified psychologists, assess the relevance of all available evidence about a prisoner’s risk in the reports which they are required to submit to the Parole Board, when the Board is considering whether to direct that prisoner’s release. This includes evidence about behaviour, both past and present, and any intelligence gathered.Additionally, the Parole Board may direct production of other reports where they, or other report writers, consider it necessary to inform the Board’s assessment of the prisoner’s risk – for example, a report from a qualified forensic psychiatrist.Public protection remains the number one priority, and the Parole Board will release a prisoner only where it judges that the Probation Service may manage the prisoner’s risk effectively, using the licence conditions which the Board itself sets.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that victims are kept informed throughout the criminal justice process.

This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog which has created unacceptable delays meaning victims are waiting too long for justice. This is why this Government commissioned the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, led by Sir Brian Leveson, to propose bold and ambitious reforms to improve timeliness in the courts and deliver swift justice for victims. We know how important support services are in keeping victims engaged and supported through the Criminal Justice process, particularly with regards to delays in their case. The Ministry of Justice provides funding for victim and witness support services, in addition to core funding for Police and Crime Commissioners to allocate at their discretion, based on their assessment of local need.This Government is committed to ensuring victims have the information they need. The Victims’ Code is statutory guidance that sets out the minimum level of service that victims of crime should receive from the criminal justice system. Under the Code, victims have the right to information when reporting the crime, during investigation and prosecution, during the trial, and at the outcome of the trial.We will be consulting on a new Code in due course to make sure we get the foundations for victims right. We are also taking steps through the Victims and Courts Bill to provide all victims with a clear route to request information about their offender, where they receive a custodial sentence.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the Parole Board’s approach to managing the risk posed by offenders convicted of serious (a) violent and (b) sexual crimes.

The Parole Board applies a statutory test when determining whether to release an offender. The test requires the Board to be satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the offender remain confined. The test was codified in the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, following the Ministry of Justice’s Root and Branch Review of the parole system, published in March 2022. The review assessed the system as a whole, including how risk is assessed in cases involving serious violent and sexual offenders, and led to reforms that strengthened statutory safeguards and public protection measures.The Parole Board does not manage risk following the release of offenders. Where release is directed, responsibility for managing risk lies with probation services, who develop and implement robust supervision plans tailored to the individual’s risk profile. The Parole Board will only direct release if it is satisfied that the release plan is sufficient to safely manage the offender in the community.

What assessment his Department has made of the Parole Board’s capacity to process cases within the 18-month review cycle.

We have interpreted the reference to an ‘18-month review cycle’ to be the frequency that cases are referred to the Parole Board and the review cycle varies depending on the type of sentence being served. Standard Determinate Sentence prisoners who have been recalled are referred to the Board within 28 days of their recall and then every 12 months. Indeterminate sentence prisoners must have a parole review just prior to tariff expiry and then at a minimum, every two years thereafter. HMPPS sets the period between reviews, and offenders are referred every 12 to 24 months after their first review depending on the outstanding risk reduction work that the offender needs to complete.Once a case has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State, the conduct of the review process and the scheduling of hearings is entirely a matter for the Board. The Parole Board has made efforts to improve timeliness and a number of measures have been implemented to improve throughput and reduce delays. These include the introduction of temporary fee uplifts, targeted recruitment campaigns, and the delegation of certain case management functions to secretariat staff.The Board’s published Annual Review and Account for 2024/25 reports that despite making more individual decisions than the previous year, the number of cases waiting for paper decisions and or oral hearings have both fallen. The Department continues to monitor performance closely and remains committed to supporting the Parole Board in meeting its statutory obligations whilst maintaining public protection.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of funding for victims’ support services.

The Ministry of Justice provides funding for victim and witness support services, including community-based domestic abuse and sexual violence services, in addition to core funding for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to allocate at their discretion, based on their assessment of local need. For the 2025/2026 financial year, funding for services supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence has been protected at 2024/2025 levels. While there has been a modest reduction to the core funding provided to PCCs, the Department has consolidated previous ringfenced grants into a single funding stream, enabling greater flexibility for local areas to address specific needs. In 2023/2024 over 1.5 million victims were supported through the services commissioned by PCCs. The Department continues to work closely with local partners to ensure funding is targeted effectively and is focused on delivering its commitments to repairing and strengthening the justice system, so that victims can receive swift access to justice. Funding after March 2026 will be agreed through the allocations process which follows on the latest Spending Review, and we are unable to pre-empt the outcome of this.

What steps his Department is taking to increase administrative efficiency in scheduling parole hearings.

We have interpreted the reference to an ‘18-month review cycle’ to be the frequency that cases are referred to the Parole Board and the review cycle varies depending on the type of sentence being served. Standard Determinate Sentence prisoners who have been recalled are referred to the Board within 28 days of their recall and then every 12 months. Indeterminate sentence prisoners must have a parole review just prior to tariff expiry and then at a minimum, every two years thereafter. HMPPS sets the period between reviews, and offenders are referred every 12 to 24 months after their first review depending on the outstanding risk reduction work that the offender needs to complete.Once a case has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State, the conduct of the review process and the scheduling of hearings is entirely a matter for the Board. The Parole Board has made efforts to improve timeliness and a number of measures have been implemented to improve throughput and reduce delays. These include the introduction of temporary fee uplifts, targeted recruitment campaigns, and the delegation of certain case management functions to secretariat staff.The Board’s published Annual Review and Account for 2024/25 reports that despite making more individual decisions than the previous year, the number of cases waiting for paper decisions and or oral hearings have both fallen. The Department continues to monitor performance closely and remains committed to supporting the Parole Board in meeting its statutory obligations whilst maintaining public protection.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of training provided to Parole Board members on assessing the risk of reoffending.

Parole Board members receive training in risk assessment that covers interpreting professional evaluations and assessing written and oral evidence to decide if statutory release criteria are satisfied.The Parole Board, as an independent body, is responsible for developing and delivering its own training programmes.The Ministry of Justice is confident that the training provided on assessing the risk of reoffending is robust.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of court backlogs on victims’ (a) wellbeing and (b) engagement with the justice process.

This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog which has created unacceptable delays meaning victims are waiting too long for justice. This is why this Government commissioned the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, led by Sir Brian Leveson, to propose bold and ambitious reforms to improve timeliness in the courts and deliver swift justice for victims. We know how important support services are in keeping victims engaged and supported through the Criminal Justice process, particularly with regards to delays in their case. The Ministry of Justice provides funding for victim and witness support services, in addition to core funding for Police and Crime Commissioners to allocate at their discretion, based on their assessment of local need.This Government is committed to ensuring victims have the information they need. The Victims’ Code is statutory guidance that sets out the minimum level of service that victims of crime should receive from the criminal justice system. Under the Code, victims have the right to information when reporting the crime, during investigation and prosecution, during the trial, and at the outcome of the trial.We will be consulting on a new Code in due course to make sure we get the foundations for victims right. We are also taking steps through the Victims and Courts Bill to provide all victims with a clear route to request information about their offender, where they receive a custodial sentence.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of court processes for handling grooming gang cases.

This Government recognises the profound harm caused by grooming gangs and is committed to ensuring that victims receive justice, support and redress through a robust and victim centred justice system that brings all perpetrators of this heinous crime before the courts.My Department continues to assess and improve court processes to ensure they are effective and responsive in all cases, including those involving grooming gangs. Where possible, judges prioritise serious sexual offences, and cases involving vulnerable complainants and witnesses. HMCTS staff support the delivering of fair and efficient hearings, with special measures available to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. Recent reforms include new powers to compel offenders to attend sentencing hearings and enhanced training across the justice system to ensure victims are treated with fairness and dignity.The Government acknowledges the impact of delays in the justice system on victims, and Sir Brian Leverson continues to lead a comprehensive review of the criminal courts to deliver swifter justice. In the meantime, we have increased funding to ensure Crown Courts operate at their highest capacity in nearly a decade, 110,000 sitting days, and doubled magistrates’ sentencing powers.Victims are supported through Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) during court proceedings. Also, the Ministry of Justice funds the CSA Centre to develop evidence-based training and resources to professionals across the voluntary statutory sector workforce, as well as continuing to invest in specialist support services via the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund that awards ringfenced grants to Police and Crime Commissioners.  Additionally, the Home Office has invested £1.6 million in the Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Fund and an extra £1.6 million for national services for adult victims.To support victims in seeking redress, we are removing the three-year limitation period for civil claims in cases of child sexual abuse. The Government is also working to improve awareness of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme through campaigns and consultations.Parliament has legislated for robust custodial sentences for child sex offences, though sentencing decisions are made by independent courts. Recognising the severity of grooming, the Government has introduced legislation through the Crime and Policing Bill to make grooming an aggravating factor in sentencing for child sexual offences, ensuring this behaviour is appropriately reflected in sentencing outcomes.

What steps his Department is taking to support victims of grooming gangs throughout the criminal justice process.

This Government recognises the profound harm caused by grooming gangs and is committed to ensuring that victims receive justice, support and redress through a robust and victim centred justice system that brings all perpetrators of this heinous crime before the courts.My Department continues to assess and improve court processes to ensure they are effective and responsive in all cases, including those involving grooming gangs. Where possible, judges prioritise serious sexual offences, and cases involving vulnerable complainants and witnesses. HMCTS staff support the delivering of fair and efficient hearings, with special measures available to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. Recent reforms include new powers to compel offenders to attend sentencing hearings and enhanced training across the justice system to ensure victims are treated with fairness and dignity.The Government acknowledges the impact of delays in the justice system on victims, and Sir Brian Leverson continues to lead a comprehensive review of the criminal courts to deliver swifter justice. In the meantime, we have increased funding to ensure Crown Courts operate at their highest capacity in nearly a decade, 110,000 sitting days, and doubled magistrates’ sentencing powers.Victims are supported through Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) during court proceedings. Also, the Ministry of Justice funds the CSA Centre to develop evidence-based training and resources to professionals across the voluntary statutory sector workforce, as well as continuing to invest in specialist support services via the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund that awards ringfenced grants to Police and Crime Commissioners.  Additionally, the Home Office has invested £1.6 million in the Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Fund and an extra £1.6 million for national services for adult victims.To support victims in seeking redress, we are removing the three-year limitation period for civil claims in cases of child sexual abuse. The Government is also working to improve awareness of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme through campaigns and consultations.Parliament has legislated for robust custodial sentences for child sex offences, though sentencing decisions are made by independent courts. Recognising the severity of grooming, the Government has introduced legislation through the Crime and Policing Bill to make grooming an aggravating factor in sentencing for child sexual offences, ensuring this behaviour is appropriately reflected in sentencing outcomes.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of sentencing outcomes in grooming gang cases.

This Government recognises the profound harm caused by grooming gangs and is committed to ensuring that victims receive justice, support and redress through a robust and victim centred justice system that brings all perpetrators of this heinous crime before the courts.My Department continues to assess and improve court processes to ensure they are effective and responsive in all cases, including those involving grooming gangs. Where possible, judges prioritise serious sexual offences, and cases involving vulnerable complainants and witnesses. HMCTS staff support the delivering of fair and efficient hearings, with special measures available to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. Recent reforms include new powers to compel offenders to attend sentencing hearings and enhanced training across the justice system to ensure victims are treated with fairness and dignity.The Government acknowledges the impact of delays in the justice system on victims, and Sir Brian Leverson continues to lead a comprehensive review of the criminal courts to deliver swifter justice. In the meantime, we have increased funding to ensure Crown Courts operate at their highest capacity in nearly a decade, 110,000 sitting days, and doubled magistrates’ sentencing powers.Victims are supported through Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) during court proceedings. Also, the Ministry of Justice funds the CSA Centre to develop evidence-based training and resources to professionals across the voluntary statutory sector workforce, as well as continuing to invest in specialist support services via the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund that awards ringfenced grants to Police and Crime Commissioners.  Additionally, the Home Office has invested £1.6 million in the Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Fund and an extra £1.6 million for national services for adult victims.To support victims in seeking redress, we are removing the three-year limitation period for civil claims in cases of child sexual abuse. The Government is also working to improve awareness of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme through campaigns and consultations.Parliament has legislated for robust custodial sentences for child sex offences, though sentencing decisions are made by independent courts. Recognising the severity of grooming, the Government has introduced legislation through the Crime and Policing Bill to make grooming an aggravating factor in sentencing for child sexual offences, ensuring this behaviour is appropriately reflected in sentencing outcomes.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that victims of grooming gangs have timely access to (a) justice and (b) compensation.

This Government recognises the profound harm caused by grooming gangs and is committed to ensuring that victims receive justice, support and redress through a robust and victim centred justice system that brings all perpetrators of this heinous crime before the courts.My Department continues to assess and improve court processes to ensure they are effective and responsive in all cases, including those involving grooming gangs. Where possible, judges prioritise serious sexual offences, and cases involving vulnerable complainants and witnesses. HMCTS staff support the delivering of fair and efficient hearings, with special measures available to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. Recent reforms include new powers to compel offenders to attend sentencing hearings and enhanced training across the justice system to ensure victims are treated with fairness and dignity.The Government acknowledges the impact of delays in the justice system on victims, and Sir Brian Leverson continues to lead a comprehensive review of the criminal courts to deliver swifter justice. In the meantime, we have increased funding to ensure Crown Courts operate at their highest capacity in nearly a decade, 110,000 sitting days, and doubled magistrates’ sentencing powers.Victims are supported through Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) during court proceedings. Also, the Ministry of Justice funds the CSA Centre to develop evidence-based training and resources to professionals across the voluntary statutory sector workforce, as well as continuing to invest in specialist support services via the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund that awards ringfenced grants to Police and Crime Commissioners.  Additionally, the Home Office has invested £1.6 million in the Support for Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Fund and an extra £1.6 million for national services for adult victims.To support victims in seeking redress, we are removing the three-year limitation period for civil claims in cases of child sexual abuse. The Government is also working to improve awareness of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme through campaigns and consultations.Parliament has legislated for robust custodial sentences for child sex offences, though sentencing decisions are made by independent courts. Recognising the severity of grooming, the Government has introduced legislation through the Crime and Policing Bill to make grooming an aggravating factor in sentencing for child sexual offences, ensuring this behaviour is appropriately reflected in sentencing outcomes.

Whether his Department has reviewed the (a) confirmation, (b) tracking and (c) communication of British Sign Language interpreter bookings between HMCTS staff and jurors.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring fairness and accessibility of services for all participants, including deaf jurors.Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that in the last 12 months, HMCTS is aware of one instance where a juror needing a British Sign Language interpreter was unable to complete their jury service. HMCTS is investigating the circumstances to understand what occurred.Guidance is in place and is kept under review for HMCTS staff in relation to arranging registered British Sign Language interpreters for jurors.Deaf relay interpreters are not currently used for juror provision.The provision of British Sign Language interpreters to the Ministry of Justice is provided by Clarion UK Ltd. Detailed guidance and training is provided to courts and tribunals staff responsible for booking interpreters to ensure they follow the correct processes and book suitably qualified interpreters. The supplier provides confirmation of a booking once an interpreter is allocated and this is monitored throughout the booking duration. The Ministry of Justice maintains strong governance through a dedicated Commercial and Contract Management team, ensuring the provider is held accountable and the service is delivered to agreed standards.Jurors are proactively updated about changes in booking arrangements, and provided with written induction materials, interpreter oaths and relevant guidance documents. Where appropriate, jurors requiring BSL interpretation may also be invited to a pre-court visit with an interpreter present. This enables them to familiarise themselves with the courtroom, ask questions about the process and discuss their needs, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence before their service begins.HMCTS keeps operational guidance, training and processes under regular review.

Whether guidance has been issued to HM Courts and Tribunals Service staff on arranging (a) registered sign language interpreters and (b) deaf relay interpreters for jurors.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring fairness and accessibility of services for all participants, including deaf jurors.Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that in the last 12 months, HMCTS is aware of one instance where a juror needing a British Sign Language interpreter was unable to complete their jury service. HMCTS is investigating the circumstances to understand what occurred.Guidance is in place and is kept under review for HMCTS staff in relation to arranging registered British Sign Language interpreters for jurors.Deaf relay interpreters are not currently used for juror provision.The provision of British Sign Language interpreters to the Ministry of Justice is provided by Clarion UK Ltd. Detailed guidance and training is provided to courts and tribunals staff responsible for booking interpreters to ensure they follow the correct processes and book suitably qualified interpreters. The supplier provides confirmation of a booking once an interpreter is allocated and this is monitored throughout the booking duration. The Ministry of Justice maintains strong governance through a dedicated Commercial and Contract Management team, ensuring the provider is held accountable and the service is delivered to agreed standards.Jurors are proactively updated about changes in booking arrangements, and provided with written induction materials, interpreter oaths and relevant guidance documents. Where appropriate, jurors requiring BSL interpretation may also be invited to a pre-court visit with an interpreter present. This enables them to familiarise themselves with the courtroom, ask questions about the process and discuss their needs, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence before their service begins.HMCTS keeps operational guidance, training and processes under regular review.

How many people have been unable to complete jury service because of a lack of British Sign Language provision in the last 12 months.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring fairness and accessibility of services for all participants, including deaf jurors.Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that in the last 12 months, HMCTS is aware of one instance where a juror needing a British Sign Language interpreter was unable to complete their jury service. HMCTS is investigating the circumstances to understand what occurred.Guidance is in place and is kept under review for HMCTS staff in relation to arranging registered British Sign Language interpreters for jurors.Deaf relay interpreters are not currently used for juror provision.The provision of British Sign Language interpreters to the Ministry of Justice is provided by Clarion UK Ltd. Detailed guidance and training is provided to courts and tribunals staff responsible for booking interpreters to ensure they follow the correct processes and book suitably qualified interpreters. The supplier provides confirmation of a booking once an interpreter is allocated and this is monitored throughout the booking duration. The Ministry of Justice maintains strong governance through a dedicated Commercial and Contract Management team, ensuring the provider is held accountable and the service is delivered to agreed standards.Jurors are proactively updated about changes in booking arrangements, and provided with written induction materials, interpreter oaths and relevant guidance documents. Where appropriate, jurors requiring BSL interpretation may also be invited to a pre-court visit with an interpreter present. This enables them to familiarise themselves with the courtroom, ask questions about the process and discuss their needs, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence before their service begins.HMCTS keeps operational guidance, training and processes under regular review.

Whether his Department plans to take steps to review court procedures to ensure deaf jurors are not excluded from panels on the grounds of the cost of the provision of British Sign Language interpretation.

The Government is committed to opening up jury service to as many eligible people as possible and ensuring disability is never a barrier. No juror is expected to meet the cost of interpreting. HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) arranges and funds British Sign Language interpreting for jurors throughout their service, including during deliberations, via national language service contracts. Jurors may also claim loss of earnings and other allowances under existing regulations, so cost should not prevent eligible deaf people from serving. HMCTS keeps operational procedures under review with the judiciary to ensure provision is timely and effective and that eligible jurors are not excluded from panels on cost grounds.

Whether his Department has consulted with organisations representing deaf people on the barriers faced by deaf people when undertaking jury service.

The Ministry of Justice engaged with organisations representing deaf people, including the British Deaf Association, when developing and implementing new measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, to support jurors who require the support of BSL interpreters in the deliberation room. We continue to collect feedback from jurors and courts to improve and refine our processes and share best practice.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of data collection on (a) deaf jurors and (b) jurors with other protected characteristics within jury service records.

Since the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act came into force in 2022, there have been 84 bookings made for BSL interpreters to assist a deaf juror in deliberations.HMCTS collects a range of information to support the administration of jury service and to fulfil its Public Sector Equality Duty, and this is regularly reviewed to ensure it is robust and proportionate. Information on adjustments made for individual jurors is not held centrally.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the provision of British Sign Language interpreters for deaf jurors.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 placed the right to British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting in the jury deliberation room on a statutory footing (now section 9C of the Juries Act 1974). The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring the justice system is supported by a range of high-quality language services that meet the needs of all those that require them. Visual and tactile provisions, including sign language interpreters, are met and monitored through the Ministry of Justice's language services contract with Clarion Interpreting Ltd.Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that there have been two recorded complaints regarding interpreter provision for jury service support in the last five years. When concerns are raised, HMCTS addresses them at a local level and, where appropriate, escalates issues through established contract management processes and ongoing improvements in data quality and governance.The quality of interpreting provided to the Department, including the management of its register of interpreters, is assured by an independent provider, The Language Shop (TLS). TLS undertakes a programme of assessments for interpreters, as well as an annual audit of supplier processes for onboarding new interpreters. These safeguards ensure the legal right is delivered in practice while maintaining the integrity of the jury room.