Part 5Miscellaneous criminal justice provisions

I1142Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses

1

Part 3 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28) (victims etc) is amended as follows.

2

In section 48 (the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses)—

a

omit subsections (3) to (5) (establishment of corporation sole, no Crown status etc), and

b

for subsection (6) substitute—

6

The Secretary of State may pay to, or in respect of, the Commissioner amounts—

a

by way of remuneration, pensions, allowances or gratuities, or

b

by way of provision for any such benefits.

7

The Secretary of State may pay sums in respect of the expenses of the Commissioner.

3

In section 49 (general functions of Commissioner)—

a

omit subsection (2)(d) (carrying out of research),

b

omit subsection (3)(b) (laying of reports before Parliament), and

c

at the end add—

4

The Commissioner must prepare in respect of each calendar year a report on the carrying out of the functions of the Commissioner during the year.

5

The Commissioner must send a copy of each report prepared under subsection (4) to—

a

the Secretary of State for Justice,

b

the Attorney General, and

c

the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

6

Reports under subsection (2)(b) or (4) must be published by the Commissioner.

7

If section 48 comes into force after the beginning of a calendar year, the first report under subsection (4) may relate to a period beginning with the day on which that section comes into force and ending with the end of the next calendar year.

4

Omit section 50(2) (advice to authorities within Commissioner's remit).

5

In section 55 (Victims' Advisory Panel)—

a

after subsection (1) insert—

1A

The persons appointed under subsection (1) must include the Commissioner.

1B

The Commissioner is to chair the Panel.

b

in subsection (2), in paragraph (a) for “a” substitute “ any other ”, and

c

in paragraph (b) of that subsection for “a” substitute “ such a ”.

6

Omit Schedule 8 (supplementary provision about the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses).