Last amended by Sentencing Act 2026 in 2026. 2 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 strengthens the position of victims in the criminal justice system, creates support for those affected by major incidents, sets up compensation for the infected blood scandal, and reforms the release of the most serious prisoners. Part 1 places the Victims' Code on a statutory footing, imposes duties on criminal justice bodies to promote awareness of and monitor compliance with it, and reforms the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses. Part 2 creates a standing Independent Public Advocate to support the bereaved and survivors of major incidents. Part 3 establishes the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and its scheme. Part 4 reforms parole and release decisions for life and other serious offenders, including a power for the Secretary of State to intervene in the most serious cases.
Key Points
- Part 1 — puts the Victims' Code on a statutory footing (s.2) and imposes duties on agencies to promote and review compliance
- Reforms the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses (s.22)
- Part 2 — a standing Independent Public Advocate for victims of major incidents (ss.35-36)
- Part 3 — the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and compensation scheme (ss.48-49)
- Part 4 — reforms public protection and release decisions for life and fixed-term prisoners (ss.58-59) and Parole Board rules (s.73)
- Restrictions on marriage and civil partnership for whole-life prisoners (ss.75-76)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2024 — Victims and Prisoners Act 2024
98 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
2026 — Sentencing Act 2026
2 recorded amendment effects (legislation.gov.uk changes data).
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Victims' Code do under the new Act?
- The Act places the Victims' Code on a statutory footing, meaning the Secretary of State must issue it. It sets out the specific services and information that victims of criminal conduct are entitled to receive. Additionally, it imposes duties on criminal justice bodies to promote awareness of the Code and monitor compliance with its standards.
- How does the Act support victims of major incidents?
- The Act creates a standing Independent Public Advocate to represent the interests of victims of major incidents, such as disasters or terror attacks. It also allows for the appointment of specific advocates to support bereaved families and survivors when a major incident is officially declared.
- What compensation is available for the infected blood scandal?
- The Act establishes the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, which is responsible for administering compensation to those infected or affected by the infected blood scandal. It provides for the creation of a specific compensation scheme and details the payments to be made under that scheme.
- How does the Act change the release of serious prisoners?
- The Act reforms how public-protection considerations are weighed in release decisions for life-sentence prisoners. It also confers and reforms powers to make rules governing Parole Board proceedings. Furthermore, it includes a power for the Secretary of State to intervene in the most serious cases regarding the release of offenders.
- What changes are made to the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses?
- The Act reforms the role and functions of the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses. This includes changes to their reporting duties and imposes a duty on criminal justice agencies to co-operate with the Commissioner. The Commissioner's role is strengthened to better oversee the treatment of victims within the system.