Overview

The Victims and Prisoners Bill, as amended by the House of Lords, makes significant changes to victim support, prisoner release processes, and establishes a compensation scheme for victims of infected blood. It strengthens victims' rights, improves the handling of major incidents, and introduces new mechanisms for accountability and oversight.

Description

The bill introduces several key changes. It amends the Victims' Code, requiring the provision of specific services to victims, particularly vulnerable groups like children and those with protected characteristics. New clauses mandate mandatory training on the Victims' Code for relevant staff across various organisations. The bill also introduces a new duty of candour for public authorities in relation to major incidents. A new Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is created to administer a compensation scheme for individuals infected with blood-borne viruses through contaminated blood products. The bill also makes changes to how the Parole Board functions, clarifies legal processes for the release and recall of prisoners, and addresses information sharing related to victim support. Specific provisions safeguard against the misuse of victims' data and prevent certain agreements from precluding victim disclosures. Further amendments relate to marriage and civil partnership regulations for detained persons and improve reporting and review mechanisms. Finally, the bill includes changes to improve the notification of schools and relevant bodies about children suspected to be victims of domestic abuse.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending in several areas. The establishment of the IBCA and the implementation of the infected blood compensation scheme will require significant financial resources. The exact figures are not specified in the amendment text, but the cost is likely to be substantial, covering both administrative expenses and compensation payouts. Additional spending will also be required for training programs related to the Victims' Code and any enhanced services associated with the new measures.

Groups Affected

• Victims of crime: The bill strengthens their rights by mandating better service provision and clearer guidance. Vulnerable victims will receive additional protection and support.
• Prisoners: Changes to the Parole Board's processes and prisoner release mechanisms will directly affect prisoners, particularly those serving life sentences or preventive sentences.
• Public authorities and officials: The bill imposes new duties and responsibilities on various public bodies including police, Crown Prosecution Service, probation services, and health and social services relating to victim support, reporting and transparency. They will also be affected by the new duty of candour.
• Individuals infected with blood-borne viruses: These individuals will be eligible for compensation through the new scheme.
• Schools and educational establishments: Enhanced notification requirements for suspected child victims of domestic abuse will affect these groups.
• The legal profession: Amendments to disclosure regulations may have an effect on this group.

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