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).