Search Legislation

Advanced Search

Criminal Justice Act 2003

Status:

Point in time view as at 13/03/2014. This version of this chapter contains provisions that are prospective. Help about Status

Close

Status

The term provision is used to describe a definable element in a piece of legislation that has legislative effect – such as a Part, Chapter or section. A version of a provision is prospective either:

  1. where the provision (Part, Chapter or section) has never come into force or;
  2. where the text of the provision is subject to change, but no date has yet been appointed by the appropriate person or body for those changes to come into force.

Commencement Orders listed in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ box as not yet applied may bring this prospective version into force.

Changes to legislation:

Criminal Justice Act 2003, Chapter 1 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 11 December 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.

Chapter 1E+WGeneral provisions about sentencing

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. 12 Ch. 1: power to amend conferred (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 4(3), 153; S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(d)

Matters to be taken into account in sentencingE+W

142Purposes of sentencingE+W

(1)Any court dealing with an offender in respect of his offence must have regard to the following purposes of sentencing—

(a)the punishment of offenders,

(b)the reduction of crime (including its reduction by deterrence),

(c)the reform and rehabilitation of offenders,

(d)the protection of the public, and

(e)the making of reparation by offenders to persons affected by their offences.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply—

(a)in relation to an offender who is aged under 18 at the time of conviction,

(b)to an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law,

(c)to an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed [F1 under section 1A(5) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 (minimum sentence for offence of threatening with offensive weapon in public),] under section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) (minimum sentence for certain firearms offences), [F2 under section 139AA(7) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (minimum sentence for offence of threatening with article with blade or point or offensive weapon),] under subsection (2) of section 110 or 111 of the Sentencing Act (required custodial sentences)[F3, under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (minimum sentences in certain cases of using someone to mind a weapon)][F4, under section 224A of this Act (life sentence for second listed offence for certain dangerous offenders)] or under [F5section 225(2) or 226(2)] of this Act [F6(imprisonment or detention for life for certain dangerous offenders)], or

(d)in relation to the making under Part 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) of a hospital order (with or without a restriction order), an interim hospital order, a hospital direction or a limitation direction.

(3)In this Chapter “sentence”, in relation to an offence, includes any order made by a court when dealing with the offender in respect of his offence; and “sentencing” is to be construed accordingly.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1S. 142 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Prospective

F7142APurposes etc. of sentencing: offenders under 18E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

143Determining the seriousness of an offenceE+W

(1)In considering the seriousness of any offence, the court must consider the offender’s culpability in committing the offence and any harm which the offence caused, was intended to cause or might forseeably have caused.

(2)In considering the seriousness of an offence (“the current offence”) committed by an offender who has one or more previous convictions, the court must treat each previous conviction as an aggravating factor if (in the case of that conviction) the court considers that it can reasonably be so treated having regard, in particular, to—

(a)the nature of the offence to which the conviction relates and its relevance to the current offence, and

(b)the time that has elapsed since the conviction.

(3)In considering the seriousness of any offence committed while the offender was on bail, the court must treat the fact that it was committed in those circumstances as an aggravating factor.

(4)Any reference in subsection (2) to a previous conviction is to be read as a reference to—

(a)a previous conviction by a court in the United Kingdom, F8. . .

[F9(aa)a previous conviction by a court in another member State of a relevant offence under the law of that State,]

[F10(b)a previous conviction of a service offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“conviction” here including anything that under section 376(1) and (2) of that Act is to be treated as a conviction).]

[F11or

(c)a finding of guilt in respect of a member State service offence.]

[F12(5)Subsections (2) and (4) do not prevent the court from treating—

(a)a previous conviction by a court outside both the United Kingdom and any other member State, or

(b)a previous conviction by a court in any member State (other than the United Kingdom) of an offence which is not a relevant offence,

as an aggravating factor in any case where the court considers it appropriate to do so.

(6)For the purposes of this section—

(a)an offence is “relevant” if the offence would constitute an offence under the law of any part of the United Kingdom if it were done in that part at the time of the conviction of the defendant for the current offence,

(b)“member State service offence” means an offence which—

(i)was the subject of proceedings under the service law of a member State other than the United Kingdom, and

(ii)would constitute an offence under the law of any part of the United Kingdom, or a service offence (within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006), if it were done in any part of the United Kingdom, by a member of Her Majesty's forces, at the time of the conviction of the defendant for the current offence,

(c)“Her Majesty's forces” has the same meaning as in the Armed Forces Act 2006, and

(d)“service law”, in relation to a member State other than the United Kingdom, means the law governing all or any of the naval, military or air forces of that State.]

Textual Amendments

F10S. 143(4)(b) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 216; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 143(4) modified (24.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), arts. 1(2)(3)(a), 205, Sch. 1 para. 53(5)

Commencement Information

I2S. 143 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

144Reduction in sentences for guilty pleasE+W

(1)In determining what sentence to pass on an offender who has pleaded guilty to an offence in proceedings before that or another court, a court must take into account—

(a)the stage in the proceedings for the offence at which the offender indicated his intention to plead guilty, and

(b)the circumstances in which this indication was given.

(2)In the case of an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under [F13a provision mentioned in subsection (3)], nothing in [F14that provision] prevents the court, after taking into account any matter referred to in subsection (1) of this section, from imposing any sentence which is not less than 80 per cent of that specified in [F14that provision].

[F15(3)The provisions referred to in subsection (2) are—

  • section 1A(6)(a) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953;

  • section 110(2) of the Sentencing Act;

  • section 111(2) of the Sentencing Act;

  • section 139AA(8)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

(4)In the case of an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under a provision mentioned in subsection (5), nothing in that provision prevents the court from imposing any sentence that it considers appropriate after taking into account any matter referred to in subsection (1) of this section.

(5)The provisions referred to in subsection (4) are—

  • section 1A(6)(b) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953;

  • section 139AA(8)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I3S. 144 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

145Increase in sentences for racial or religious aggravationE+W

(1)This section applies where a court is considering the seriousness of an offence other than one under sections 29 to 32 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (racially or religiously aggravated assaults, criminal damage, public order offences and harassment etc).

(2)If the offence was racially or religiously aggravated, the court—

(a)must treat that fact as an aggravating factor, and

(b)must state in open court that the offence was so aggravated.

(3)Section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (meaning of “racially or religiously aggravated”) applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of sections 29 to 32 of that Act.

Commencement Information

I4S. 145 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

146Increase in sentences for aggravation related to disability[F16, sexual orientation or transgender identity] E+W

(1)This section applies where the court is considering the seriousness of an offence committed in any of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2).

(2)Those circumstances are—

(a)that, at the time of committing the offence, or immediately before or after doing so, the offender demonstrated towards the victim of the offence hostility based on—

(i)the sexual orientation (or presumed sexual orientation) of the victim, F17...

(ii)a disability (or presumed disability) of the victim, or

[F18(iii)the victim being (or being presumed to be) transgender, or]

(b)that the offence is motivated (wholly or partly)—

(i)by hostility towards persons who are of a particular sexual orientation, F19...

(ii)by hostility towards persons who have a disability or a particular disability[F20, or

(iii)by hostility towards persons who are transgender.]

(3)The court—

(a)must treat the fact that the offence was committed in any of those circumstances as an aggravating factor, and

(b)must state in open court that the offence was committed in such circumstances.

(4)It is immaterial for the purposes of paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) whether or not the offender’s hostility is also based, to any extent, on any other factor not mentioned in that paragraph.

(5)In this section “disability” means any physical or mental impairment.

[F21(6)In this section references to being transgender include references to being transsexual, or undergoing, proposing to undergo or having undergone a process or part of a process of gender reassignment.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I5S. 146 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

General restrictions on community sentencesE+W

147Meaning of “community sentence” etc.E+W

(1)In this Part “community sentence” means a sentence which consists of or includes—

(a)a community order (as defined by section 177), or

(b)F22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F23(c)a youth rehabilitation order.]

(2)F24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I6S. 147 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

148Restrictions on imposing community sentencesE+W

(1)A court must not pass a community sentence on an offender unless it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was serious enough to warrant such a sentence.

(2)Where a court passes a community sentence F25. . . —

(a)the particular requirement or requirements forming part of the community order [F26, or, as the case may be, youth rehabilitation order, comprised in the sentence] must be such as, in the opinion of the court, is, or taken together are, the most suitable for the offender, and

(b)the restrictions on liberty imposed by the order must be such as in the opinion of the court are commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

[F27(2A)Subsection (2) is subject to [F28 section 177(2A) (community orders: punitive elements) and to] paragraph 3(4) of Schedule 1 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance).]

F29(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)Subsections (1) and (2)(b) have effect subject to section 151(2).

[F30(5)The fact that by virtue of any provision of this section—

(a)a community sentence may be passed in relation to an offence; or

(b)particular restrictions on liberty may be imposed by a community order or youth rehabilitation order,

does not require a court to pass such a sentence or to impose those restrictions.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I7S. 148 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

149Passing of community sentence on offender remanded in custodyE+W

(1)In determining the restrictions on liberty to be imposed by a community order or [F31youth rehabilitation order] in respect of an offence, the court may have regard to any period for which the offender has been remanded in custody in connection with the offence or any other offence the charge for which was founded on the same facts or evidence.

(2)In subsection (1) “remanded in custody” has the meaning given by section 242(2).

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I8S. 149 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

150Community sentence not available where sentence fixed by law etc.E+W

[F32(1)]The power to make a community order or [F33youth rehabilitation order] is not exercisable in respect of an offence for which the sentence—

(a)is fixed by law,

(b)falls to be imposed under section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) (required custodial sentence for certain firearms offences),

(c)falls to be imposed under section 110(2) or 111(2) of the Sentencing Act (requirement to impose custodial sentences for certain repeated offences committed by offenders aged 18 or over), F34. . .

[F35(ca)falls to be imposed under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (required custodial sentence in certain cases of using someone to mind a weapon),

[F36(cb)falls to be imposed under section 224A of this Act (life sentence for second listed offence for certain dangerous offenders),]or]

(d)falls to be imposed under [F37section 225(2) or 226(2) of this Act (requirement to impose sentence of imprisonment for life or detention for life)].

[F38(2)The power to make a community order is not exercisable in respect of an offence for which the sentence—

(a)falls to be imposed under section 1A(5) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 (minimum sentence for offence of threatening with offensive weapon in public), or

(b)falls to be imposed under section 139AA(7) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (minimum sentence for offence of threatening with article with blade or point in public or on school premises or with offensive weapon on school premises).]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I9S. 150 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F39150ACommunity order available only for offences punishable with imprisonment or for persistent offenders previously finedE+W

(1)The power to make a community order is only exercisable in respect of an offence if—

(a)the offence is punishable with imprisonment; or

(b)in any other case, section 151(2) confers power to make such an order.

(2)For the purposes of this section and section 151 an offence triable either way that was tried summarily is to be regarded as punishable with imprisonment only if it is so punishable by the sentencing court (and for this purpose section 148(1) is to be disregarded).]

Textual Amendments

Prospective

F7151Community order or youth rehabilitation order for persistent offender previously finedE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

General restrictions on discretionary custodial sentencesE+W

152General restrictions on imposing discretionary custodial sentencesE+W

(1)This section applies where a person is convicted of an offence punishable with a custodial sentence other than one—

(a)fixed by law, or

(b)falling to be imposed [F40under section 1A(5) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, under section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968, under section 139AA(7) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988,] under [F41section 110(2) or 111(2) of the Sentencing Act, under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006] or under [F42section [F43224A,] 225(2) or 226(2)] of this Act.

(2)The court must not pass a custodial sentence unless it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was so serious that neither a fine alone nor a community sentence can be justified for the offence.

(3)Nothing in subsection (2) prevents the court from passing a custodial sentence on the offender if—

(a)he fails to express his willingness to comply with a requirement which is proposed by the court to be included in a community order and which requires an expression of such willingness, or

(b)he fails to comply with an order under section 161(2) (pre-sentence drug testing).

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I10S. 152 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

153Length of discretionary custodial sentences: general provisionE+W

(1)This section applies where a court passes a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law or F44... imposed under section [F45224A,] 225 or 226.

(2)Subject to [F46section 1A(5) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968, section 139AA(7) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988,] sections 110(2) and 111(2) of the Sentencing Act[F47, section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006] and sections [F48226A(4) and 226B(2)] of this Act, the custodial sentence must be for the shortest term (not exceeding the permitted maximum) that in the opinion of the court is commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I11S. 153 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Prospective

General limit on magistrates' court’s power to impose imprisonmentE+W

F7154General limit on magistrates' court’s power to impose imprisonmentE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

155Consecutive terms of imprisonmentE+W

(1)Section 133 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (consecutive terms of imprisonment) is amended as follows.

(2)In subsection (1), for [F49“the words from “the longest” to “being imposed”] there is substituted “ 65 weeks ”.

(3)Subsection (2) is omitted.

(4)In subsection (3) for “the preceding subsections” there is substituted “ subsection (1) above ”.

Textual Amendments

Procedural requirements for imposing community sentences and discretionary custodial sentencesE+W

156Pre-sentence reports and other requirementsE+W

(1)In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 148(1) [F50or (2)(b),], section 152(2) or section 153(2), [F51or in section 1(4)(b) or (c) of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (youth rehabilitation orders with intensive supervision and surveillance or fostering),] a court must take into account all such information as is available to it about the circumstances of the offence or (as the case may be) of the offence and the offence or offences associated with it, including any aggravating or mitigating factors.

(2)In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 148(2)(a) F52... , the court may take into account any information about the offender which is before it.

(3)Subject to subsection (4), a court must obtain and consider a pre-sentence report before—

(a)in the case of a custodial sentence, forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 152(2), section 153(2), section 225(1)(b), section 226(1)(b), [F53section 226A(1)(b) or section 226B(1)(b)], or

(b)in the case of a community sentence, forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 148(1) [F54or (2)(b), or in section 1(4)(b) or (c) of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008,] or any opinion as to the suitability for the offender of the particular requirement or requirements to be imposed by the community order [F55or youth rehabilitation order].

(4)Subsection (3) does not apply if, in the circumstances of the case, the court is of the opinion that it is unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report.

(5)In a case where the offender is aged under 18, the court must not form the opinion mentioned in subsection (4) unless—

(a)there exists a previous pre-sentence report obtained in respect of the offender, and

(b)the court has had regard to the information contained in that report, or, if there is more than one such report, the most recent report.

(6)No custodial sentence or community sentence is invalidated by the failure of a court to obtain and consider a pre-sentence report before forming an opinion referred to in subsection (3), but any court on an appeal against such a sentence—

(a)must, subject to subsection (7), obtain a pre-sentence report if none was obtained by the court below, and

(b)must consider any such report obtained by it or by that court.

(7)Subsection (6)(a) does not apply if the court is of the opinion—

(a)that the court below was justified in forming an opinion that it was unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report, or

(b)that, although the court below was not justified in forming that opinion, in the circumstances of the case at the time it is before the court, it is unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report.

(8)In a case where the offender is aged under 18, the court must not form the opinion mentioned in subsection (7) unless—

(a)there exists a previous pre-sentence report obtained in respect of the offender, and

(b)the court has had regard to the information contained in that report, or, if there is more than one such report, the most recent report.

[F56(9)References in subsections (1) and (3) to a court forming the opinions mentioned in sections 152(2) and 153(2) include a court forming those opinions for the purposes of section 224A(3).]

[F57(10)The reference in subsection (1) to a court forming the opinion mentioned in section 153(2) includes a court forming that opinion for the purposes of section 226A(6) or 226B(4).]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I12S. 156 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

157Additional requirements in case of mentally disordered offenderE+W

(1)Subject to subsection (2), in any case where the offender is or appears to be mentally disordered, the court must obtain and consider a medical report before passing a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply if, in the circumstances of the case, the court is of the opinion that it is unnecessary to obtain a medical report.

(3)Before passing a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law on an offender who is or appears to be mentally disordered, a court must consider—

(a)any information before it which relates to his mental condition (whether given in a medical report, a pre-sentence report or otherwise), and

(b)the likely effect of such a sentence on that condition and on any treatment which may be available for it.

(4)No custodial sentence which is passed in a case to which subsection (1) applies is invalidated by the failure of a court to comply with that subsection, but any court on an appeal against such a sentence—

(a)must obtain a medical report if none was obtained by the court below, and

(b)must consider any such report obtained by it or by that court.

(5)In this section “mentally disordered”, in relation to any person, means suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20).

(6)In this section “medical report” means a report as to an offender’s mental condition made or submitted orally or in writing by a registered medical practitioner who is approved for the purposes of section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by the Secretary of State [F58, or by another person by virtue of section 12ZA or 12ZB of that Act,] as having special experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder.

(7)Nothing in this section is to be taken to limit the generality of section 156.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I13S. 157 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

158Meaning of “pre-sentence report”E+W

(1)In this Part “pre-sentence report” means a report which—

(a)with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with an offender, is made or submitted by an appropriate officer, and

(b)contains information as to such matters, presented in such manner, as may be prescribed by rules made by the Secretary of State.

[F59(1A)Subject to any rules made under subsection (1)(b) and to subsection (1B), the court may accept a pre-sentence report given orally in open court.

(1B)But a pre-sentence report that—

(a)relates to an offender aged under 18, and

(b)is required to be obtained and considered before the court forms an opinion mentioned in section 156(3)(a),

must be in writing.]

(2)In subsection (1) “an appropriate officer” means—

(a)where the offender is aged 18 or over, an officer of a local probation board [F60or an officer of a provider of probation services] , and

(b)where the offender is aged under 18, an officer of a local probation board [F61, an officer of a provider of probation services] , a social worker of a local authority F62. . . or a member of a youth offending team.

Textual Amendments

F62Words in s. 158(2)(b) repealed (1.4.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), ss. 64, 67, Sch. 5 Pt. 4; S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)(h)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6S. 158(1) applied (with modifications) (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 257(1)-(3), 383 (with ss. 271(1), 385); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I14S. 158 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 158 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 158(1)(b) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 158 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Disclosure of pre-sentence reports etcE+W

159Disclosure of pre-sentence reportsE+W

(1)This section applies where the court obtains a pre-sentence report, other than a report given orally in open court.

(2)Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the court must give a copy of the report—

(a)to the offender or his [F63legal representative] ,

(b)if the offender is aged under 18, to any parent or guardian of his who is present in court, and

(c)to the prosecutor, that is to say, the person having the conduct of the proceedings in respect of the offence.

(3)If the offender is aged under 18 and it appears to the court that the disclosure to the offender or to any parent or guardian of his of any information contained in the report would be likely to create a risk of significant harm to the offender, a complete copy of the report need not be given to the offender or, as the case may be, to that parent or guardian.

(4)If the prosecutor is not of a description prescribed by order made by the Secretary of State, a copy of the report need not be given to the prosecutor if the court considers that it would be inappropriate for him to be given it.

(5)No information obtained by virtue of subsection (2)(c) may be used or disclosed otherwise than for the purpose of—

(a)determining whether representations as to matters contained in the report need to be made to the court, or

(b)making such representations to the court.

(6)In relation to an offender aged under 18 for whom a local authority have parental responsibility and who—

(a)is in their care, or

(b)is provided with accommodation by them in the exercise of any social services functions,

references in this section to his parent or guardian are to be read as references to that authority.

(7)In this section and section 160—

  • “harm” has the same meaning as in section 31 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41);

  • “local authority” and “parental responsibility” have the same meanings as in that Act;

  • “social services functions”, in relation to a local authority, has the meaning given by section 1A of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42).

Textual Amendments

F63Words in s. 159(2)(a) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 147 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7S. 159(1)-(3)(5) applied (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 257(4), 383 (with ss. 271(1), 385); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I15S. 159 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 159 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 159(4) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 159 in force at 4.4.2005 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

160Other reports of local probation boards [F64, providers of probation services] and members of youth offending teamsE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a report by an officer of a local probation board [F65, an officer of a provider of probation services] or a member of a youth offending team is made to any court (other than a youth court) with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with any person in respect of an offence, and

(b)the report is not a pre-sentence report.

(2)Subject to subsection (3), the court must give a copy of the report—

(a)to the offender or his [F66legal representative] , and

(b)if the offender is aged under 18, to any parent or guardian of his who is present in court.

(3)If the offender is aged under 18 and it appears to the court that the disclosure to the offender or to any parent or guardian of his of any information contained in the report would be likely to create a risk of significant harm to the offender, a complete copy of the report need not be given to the offender, or as the case may be, to that parent or guardian.

(4)In relation to an offender aged under 18 for whom a local authority have parental responsibility and who—

(a)is in their care, or

(b)is provided with accommodation by them in the exercise of any social services functions,

references in this section to his parent or guardian are to be read as references to that authority.

Textual Amendments

F66Words in s. 160(2)(a) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 148 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

Commencement Information

I16S. 160 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Pre-sentence drug testingE+W

161Pre-sentence drug testingE+W

(1)Where a person F67. . . is convicted of an offence and the court is considering passing a community sentence or a suspended sentence, it may make an order under subsection (2) for the purpose of ascertaining whether the offender has any specified Class A drug in his body.

(2)The order requires the offender to provide, in accordance with the order, samples of any description specified in the order.

(3)Where the offender has not attained the age of 17, the order must provide for the samples to be provided in the presence of an appropriate adult.

(4)If it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that the offender has, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the order it may impose on him a fine of an amount not exceeding level 4.

(5)In subsection (4) “level 4” means the amount which, in relation to a fine for a summary offence, is level 4 on the standard scale.

(6)The court may not make an order under subsection (2) unless it has been notified by the Secretary of State that the power to make such orders is exercisable by the court and the notice has not been withdrawn.

(7)F68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8)In this section—

  • “appropriate adult”, in relation to a person under the age of 17, means—

    (a)

    his parent or guardian or, if he is in the care of a local authority or voluntary organisation, a person representing that authority or organisation,

    (b)

    a social worker of a local authority F69. . . , or

    (c)

    if no person falling within paragraph (a) or (b) is available, any responsible person aged 18 or over who is not a police officer or a person employed by the police;

  • “specified Class A drug” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43).

Textual Amendments

F67Words in s. 161(1) repealed (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 149, 153, Sch. 4 para. 78(a), {Sch. 28 para. Pt. 1} (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(xiii)(u)(xxxi)

F68S. 161(7) repealed (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 149, 153, Sch. 4 para. 78(b), {Sch. 28 para. Pt. 1} (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(xiii)(u)(xxxi)

F69Words in s. 161(8)(b) repealed (1.4.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), ss. 64, 67, Sch. 5 Pt. 4; S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)(h)

[F70SurchargesE+W

Textual Amendments

F70Ss. 161A, 161B and cross-heading inserted (1.4.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 14(1), 59, 60 (with Sch. 12 para. 7); S.I. 2007/602, art. 2(a)

161ACourt’s duty to order payment of surchargeE+W

(1)A court when dealing with a person for one or more offences must also (subject to subsections (2) and (3)) order him to pay a surcharge.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in such cases as may be prescribed by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(3)Where a court dealing with an offender considers—

(a)that it would be appropriate to make a compensation order [F71or an unlawful profit order (or both)] , but

(b)that he has insufficient means to pay both the surcharge and appropriate compensation [F72or both the surcharge and an appropriate amount under the unlawful profit order (or the surcharge, appropriate compensation and an appropriate amount under the unlawful profit order)] ,

the court must reduce the surcharge accordingly (if necessary to nil).

(4)For the purposes of this section a court does not “deal with” a person if it—

(a)discharges him absolutely, or

(b)makes an order under the Mental Health Act 1983 in respect of him.

[F73(5)In this section “unlawful profit order” means an unlawful profit order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10S. 161A(1) excluded (1.4.2007) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Surcharge)(No 2) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1079), {art. 3}

161BAmount of surchargeE+W

(1)The surcharge payable under section 161A is such amount as the Secretary of State may specify by order.

(2)An order under this section may provide for the amount to depend on—

(a)the offence or offences committed,

(b)how the offender is otherwise dealt with (including, where the offender is fined, the amount of the fine),

(c)the age of the offender.

This is not to be read as limiting section 330(3) (power to make different provision for different purposes etc).]

FinesE+W

162Powers to order statement as to offender’s financial circumstancesE+W

(1)Where an individual has been convicted of an offence, the court may, before sentencing him, make a financial circumstances order with respect to him.

(2)Where a magistrates' court has been notified in accordance with section 12(4) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) that an individual desires to plead guilty without appearing before the court, the court may make a financial circumstances order with respect to him.

(3)In this section “a financial circumstances order” means, in relation to any individual, an order requiring him to give to the court, within such period as may be specified in the order, such a statement of his [F74assets and other] financial circumstances as the court may require.

(4)An individual who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with a financial circumstances order is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5)If an individual, in furnishing any statement in pursuance of a financial circumstances order—

(a)makes a statement which he knows to be false in a material particular,

(b)recklessly furnishes a statement which is false in a material particular, or

(c)knowingly fails to disclose any material fact,

he is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(6)Proceedings in respect of an offence under subsection (5) may, notwithstanding anything in section 127(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) (limitation of time), be commenced at any time within two years from the date of the commission of the offence or within six months from its first discovery by the prosecutor, whichever period expires the earlier.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I17S. 162 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

163General power of Crown Court to fine offender convicted on indictmentE+W

Where a person is convicted on indictment of any offence, other than an offence for which the sentence is fixed by law or falls to be imposed under section 110(2) or 111(2) of the Sentencing Act or under [F75section [F76224A,] 225(2) or 226(2)] of this Act, the court, if not precluded from sentencing an offender by its exercise of some other power, may impose a fine instead of or in addition to dealing with him in any other way in which the court has power to deal with him, subject however to any enactment requiring the offender to be dealt with in a particular way.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I18S. 163 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

164Fixing of finesE+W

(1)Before fixing the amount of any fine to be imposed on an offender who is an individual, a court must inquire into his financial circumstances.

(2)The amount of any fine fixed by a court must be such as, in the opinion of the court, reflects the seriousness of the offence.

(3)In fixing the amount of any fine to be imposed on an offender (whether an individual or other person), a court must take into account the circumstances of the case including, among other things, the financial circumstances of the offender so far as they are known, or appear, to the court.

(4)Subsection (3) applies whether taking into account the financial circumstances of the offender has the effect of increasing or reducing the amount of the fine.

[F77(4A)In applying subsection (3), a court must not reduce the amount of a fine on account of any surcharge it orders the offender to pay under section 161A, except to the extent that he has insufficient means to pay both.]

(5)Where—

(a)an offender has been convicted in his absence in pursuance of section 11 or 12 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) (non-appearance of accused), or

(b)an offender—

(i)has failed to furnish a statement of his financial circumstances in response to a request which is an official request for the purposes of section 20A of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53) (offence of making false statement as to financial circumstances),

(ii)has failed to comply with an order under section 162(1), or

(iii)has otherwise failed to co-operate with the court in its inquiry into his financial circumstances,

and the court considers that it has insufficient information to make a proper determination of the financial circumstances of the offender, it may make such determination as it thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I19S. 164 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

165Remission of finesE+W

(1)This section applies where a court has, in fixing the amount of a fine, determined the offender’s financial circumstances under section 164(5).

(2)If, on subsequently inquiring into the offender’s financial circumstances, the court is satisfied that had it had the results of that inquiry when sentencing the offender it would—

(a)have fixed a smaller amount, or

(b)not have fined him,

it may remit the whole or part of the fine.

(3)Where under this section the court remits the whole or part of a fine after a term of imprisonment has been fixed under section 139 of the Sentencing Act (powers of Crown Court in relation to fines) or section 82(5) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (magistrates' powers in relation to default) it must reduce the term by the corresponding proportion.

(4)In calculating any reduction required by subsection (3), any fraction of a day is to be ignored.

Commencement Information

I20S. 165 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Savings for power to mitigate etcE+W

166Savings for powers to mitigate sentences and deal appropriately with mentally disordered offendersE+W

(1)Nothing in—

(a)section 148 [F78or (2B)](imposing community sentences),

(b)section 152, 153 or 157 (imposing custodial sentences),

(c)section 156 (pre-sentence reports and other requirements),

(d)section 164 (fixing of fines),

[F79(e)paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance), or

(f)paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to that Act (youth rehabilitation order with fostering),]

prevents a court from mitigating an offender’s sentence by taking into account any such matters as, in the opinion of the court, are relevant in mitigation of sentence.

(2)Section 152(2) does not prevent a court, after taking into account such matters, from passing a community sentence even though it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was so serious that a community sentence could not normally be justified for the offence.

(3)Nothing in the sections mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to [F80(f)] prevents a court—

(a)from mitigating any penalty included in an offender’s sentence by taking into account any other penalty included in that sentence, and

(b)in the case of an offender who is convicted of one or more other offences, from mitigating his sentence by applying any rule of law as to the totality of sentences.

(4)Subsections (2) and (3) are without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1).

(5)Nothing in the sections mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to [F81(f)] is to be taken—

(a)as requiring a court to pass a custodial sentence, or any particular custodial sentence, on a mentally disordered offender, or

(b)as restricting any power (whether under the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) or otherwise) which enables a court to deal with such an offender in the manner it considers to be most appropriate in all the circumstances.

(6)In subsection (5) “mentally disordered”, in relation to a person, means suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I21S. 166 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Sentencing and allocation guidelinesE+W

167The Sentencing Guidelines CouncilE+W

F82. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

168Sentencing Guidelines Council: supplementary provisionsE+W

F83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

169The Sentencing Advisory PanelE+W

F84. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

170Guidelines relating to sentencing and allocationE+W

F85. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

171Functions of Sentencing Advisory Panel in relation to guidelinesE+W

F86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

172Duty of court to have regard to sentencing guidelinesE+W

F87. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

173Annual report by CouncilE+W

F88. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Duty of court to explain sentenceE+W

[F89174Duty to give reasons for and to explain effect of sentenceE+W

(1)A court passing sentence on an offender has the duties in subsections (2) and (3).

(2)The court must state in open court, in ordinary language and in general terms, the court's reasons for deciding on the sentence.

(3)The court must explain to the offender in ordinary language—

(a)the effect of the sentence,

(b)the effects of non-compliance with any order that the offender is required to comply with and that forms part of the sentence,

(c)any power of the court to vary or review any order that forms part of the sentence, and

(d)the effects of failure to pay a fine, if the sentence consists of or includes a fine.

(4)Criminal Procedure Rules may—

(a)prescribe cases in which either duty does not apply, and

(b)make provision about how an explanation under subsection (3) is to be given.

(5)Subsections (6) to (8) are particular duties of the court in complying with the duty in subsection (2).

(6)The court must identify any definitive sentencing guidelines relevant to the offender's case and—

(a)explain how the court discharged any duty imposed on it by section 125 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (duty to follow guidelines unless satisfied it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so);

(b)where the court was satisfied it would be contrary to the interests of justice to follow the guidelines, state why.

(7)Where, as a result of taking into account any matter referred to in section 144(1) (guilty pleas), the court imposes a punishment on the offender which is less severe than the punishment it would otherwise have imposed, the court must state that fact.

(8)Where the offender is under 18 and the court imposes a sentence that may only be imposed in the offender's case if the court is of the opinion mentioned in—

(a)section 1(4)(a) to (c) of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 and section 148(1) of this Act (youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance or with fostering), or

(b)section 152(2) of this Act (discretionary custodial sentence),

the court must state why it is of that opinion.

(9)In this section “definitive sentencing guidelines” means sentencing guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales under section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 as definitive guidelines, as revised by any subsequent guidelines so issued.]

Textual Amendments

Publication of information by Secretary of StateE+W

175Duty to publish information about sentencingE+W

In section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53) (information for financial and other purposes) in subsection (1) before the “or” at the end of paragraph (a) there is inserted—

“(aa)enabling such persons to become aware of the relative effectiveness of different sentences—

(i)in preventing re-offending, and

(ii)in promoting public confidence in the criminal justice system;”.

Commencement Information

I22S. 175 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Interpretation of ChapterE+W

176Interpretation of Chapter 1E+W

In this Chapter—

  • F90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • F90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • F90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • “sentence” and “sentencing” are to be read in accordance with section 142(3);

  • F90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • F91. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • [F92“youth rehabilitation order” has the meaning given by section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008;

  • “youth rehabilitation order with fostering” has the meaning given by paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to that Act;

  • “youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance” has the meaning given by paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to that Act. ]

Textual Amendments

F90S. 176: definitions of "allocation guidelines", "the Council" and "the Panel", "sentence" and "sentencing", "sentencing guidelines", "youth community order" repealed (6.4.2010) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 178, 182, Sch. 23 Pt. 4 (with s. 180); S.I. 2010/816, art. 2, Sch. paras. 15, 22(b)(iv)

F92S. 176: definitions of "youth rehabilitation order", "youth rehabilitation order with fostering" and "youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and surveillance" added (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 153, Sch. 4 para. 81(b) (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(xiii)

Commencement Information

I23S. 176 wholly in force at 5.4.2004, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2) (subject to art. 2(3)-(6))

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules as a PDF

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

Explanatory Notes

Text created by the government department responsible for the subject matter of the Act to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified. Explanatory Notes were introduced in 1999 and accompany all Public Acts except Appropriation, Consolidated Fund, Finance and Consolidation Acts.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources

The data on this page is available in the alternative data formats listed: