A Bill to make further provision about the duties and responsibilities of the Victims’ Commissioner and about the Victims’ Code; to require victims’ services plans for each police service area; to establish a duty to report suspected child abuse by those working in regulated activities, a code of practice on the recording of allegations, a right of appeal by victims against a decision to cease a criminal investigation, and standards for the review of open or reopened homicide cases; to make provision about court procedures relating to vulnerable victims and witnesses; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
Sir Keir StarmerLabour (Co-op)
13 May 2016
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This bill strengthens rights for victims of crime by clarifying the duties of the Victims’ Commissioner and updating the Victims’ Code. It requires every police service area to have a victims’ services plan and introduces protections for vulnerable victims and witnesses, including duties around reporting suspected child abuse and recording allegations. It also gives victims a right to appeal if a criminal investigation is ceased and sets standards for reviewing open or reopened homicide cases, among other measures.
Currently at the Second Reading in the House of Commons. The bill originated in the Commons and was first introduced in 2015; the next steps would typically be Committee stage, Report stage and remaining readings.
Generated 21 February 2026
20 Oct 2015
The 2015-16 session of Parliament has ended and this Bill will make no further progress.
This Bill was introduced to Parliament on 20 October 2015 under the Ten Minute Rule. This allows an MP to make his or her case for a new bill in a speech lasting up to ten minutes. An opposing speech may also be made before the House decides whether or not the bill should be introduced. If the MP is successful the bill is taken to have had its first reading.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
