FUTURE OF HELP FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES

That this House expresses deep concern about the Government's proposals to break-up the help on offer to victims and witnesses of crime as set out in its recent consultation Getting it Right for Victims and Witnesses; questions whether the Government's plans to hand responsibility for commissioning of these services to police and crime commissioners is in the best interests of victims and witnesses; notes the research undertaken by Victim Support which reports that at least 21 million could be diverted from frontline help for victims if the proposals go ahead; further notes that local accountability is already being achieved through a consistent and well respected service; and calls on the Government to reconsider its proposals.