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334 results

  • Health and safety offences, corporate manslaughter and food safety and hygiene offences guidelines

    The Council is consulting on the draft guidelines for sentencing health and safety, corporate manslaughter and food safety offences. The Council is not consulting on the legislation that establishes these offences, which is a matter for Parliament. Equally, issues that are the responsibility of the relevant regulatory bodies, such as wider enforcement policy or the decision to bring a prosecution, are outside of the scope of this consultation. The Council is keen to seek as many views... More
    Opened 13 November 2014

  • Regulation fees paid by claims management companies

    This paper sets out the levels at which claims management regulation fees (the fees collectable for applications for authorisation and the costs incurred by the Regulator through direct regulation of authorised CMCs) will be set for the 2015-16 regulatory year and proposes the methods of calculation by which they will be collected. This consultation is aimed at persons authorised to provide claims management services in England and Wales under the Compensation Act 2006 and those CMCs and... More
    Opened 20 November 2014

  • Information Commissioner’s Office Triennial Review 2014: call for evidence

    As part of the UK government’s requirement to reform public bodies, all government departments must review their non departmental public bodies (NDPBs) at least once every 3 years. As with all triennial reviews, the review of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will examine whether there is a continuing need for its functions and whether the organisation should continue to operate in its current form, considering whether services could be provided more effectively and... More
    Opened 25 November 2014

  • Proposals for further reforms to court fees

    In Part 1 of the Government response to the consultation ' Court fees: proposals for reform ', we set out our decision to consider alternatives to the proposed fee increase for divorce. However, whilst we have decided not to proceed with the divorce proposal, this has not changed the financial imperative to increase income to the courts from fees. Therefore, the Government Response also seeks views on proposals to increase: the fees to commence applications for the recovery of... More
    Opened 16 January 2015

  • Dangerous dog offences guideline

    The Sentencing Council issued a dangerous dog offences guideline in August 2012. [1] In May 2014 amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 were enacted through the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, [2] which made such substantial changes to the offence and the maximum penalties that the Council considered it would be appropriate to revise comprehensively the existing guideline. The Council considered simply updating the existing guideline to reflect the amended... More
    Opened 17 March 2015

  • Proposed amendments to the Allocation guideline

    The Sentencing Council is seeking feedback from sentencers, justices’ clerks, legal advisers, prosecutors, defence representatives and other court users on proposals to update the definitive Allocation guideline. The consultation runs for six weeks. This is a shorter period than is customary for Sentencing Council consultations. The reasons for this are: the consultation relates to a concise, technical guideline likely to be of interest only to those directly concerned with... More
    Opened 19 June 2015

  • Proposal on the provision of court and tribunal estate in England and Wales

    This is a national consultation on the provision of the court and tribunal estate in England and Wales. HM Courts & Tribunals Service manages the operation of courts and tribunals through seven regions in England and Wales and the consultation includes annexes covering London, the Midlands, the North East, the North West, the South East, the South West and Wales. To provide users with an overview of all proposed change to the estate, the consultation also includes information on where... More
    Opened 16 July 2015

  • MedCo Framework Review: Call for Evidence

    This paper sets out a Call for Evidence relating to the operation of the MedCo Portal. The purpose of the paper is to set out the issues on which the Government is seeking evidence from stakeholders. Guide questions are provided to assist stakeholders in identifying evidence relevant to those parts of the system that are under review. It would assist the analysis of the evidence provided if respondents could follow the guide questions wherever possible. There is... More
    Opened 16 July 2015

  • Revising the Victims’ Code

    The statutory Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (“the Code”) places obligations on core criminal justice agencies to provide victims of crime with support and information. We revised the Code in December 2013 to include some additional entitlements, make it clearer and more readable, and to give greater flexibility to core criminal justice agencies to tailor services according to individual need. The Code is central to our strategy for transposing Directive 2012/29/EU of the... More
    Opened 16 July 2015

  • Reform of Judicial Review: Proposals for the provision and use of financial information

    Judicial review is a process by which individuals, businesses and other affected parties can challenge the lawfulness of decisions or actions of public bodies, including those of Ministers, local authorities and those exercising public functions. It is a largely judge-developed process and can be characterised as the rule of law in action, providing a key mechanism for individuals to hold the Executive to account. More
    Opened 21 July 2015

  • Enhanced fees for divorce, possession claims and general applications in civil proceedings and consultation on further fees proposal

    This sets out the government response to the consultation on enhanced fees for possession claims and general applications in civil proceedings, and we are also seeking responses to further proposals for consultation. As the Lord Chancellor set out recently, we are seeking to modernise HMCTS and improve its efficiency. We need a properly funded service that protects access to justice and if we are to achieve that whilst reducing the cost of the courts and tribunals to the taxpayer we... More
    Opened 22 July 2015

  • DNA Testing in private family law (children) cases

    This consultation relates to proposed changes to the Blood Tests (Evidence of Paternity) Regulations 1971 (“the 1971 Regulations”) [1] . The consultation relates to possible changes to the definition of “sampler”, and what a sampler must do. The consultation is required to inform possible amendments to the 1971 Regulations to support the roll-out of a scheme for the funding of DNA testing in private family law (children) cases in England and Wales. [1] ... More
    Opened 24 July 2015

  • A consultation on the merger of the Sussex (Northern) and Sussex (Western) Local Justice Areas

    The aim of this consultation is find views on proposals to merge the Local Justice Areas of Sussex (Northern) and Sussex (Western) into one new West Sussex Local Justice Area. This will give greater flexibility in managing the caseload across West Sussex whilst increasing the opportunities for magistrates to sit on a broader range of cases on a regular basis and maintain experience and thus competence. It aims to reduce delays, and provide a more consistent service to court users. There... More
    Opened 3 August 2015

  • Amendments to Family Procedure Rules – Vulnerable Witnesses and Children

    In June 2014 the President of the Family Division established the Vulnerable Witnesses & Children Working Group to look at how a child can participate in family proceedings and the provision for the identification of vulnerable witnesses. The Working Group published its report in March 2015 after extensive consultation. The report included a set of draft model Rules and asked the Family Procedure Rule Committee to consider urgently whether, and if so how, the recommendation and draft Rules... More
    Opened 3 August 2015

  • Consultation on the merger of the Local Justice Areas in Greater Manchester

    This consultation sets out a proposal on the future arrangements for Local Justice Areas (LJA’s) in Greater Manchester. There are 3 key reasons for considering a merger of the current 8 LJA’s: to improve the effectiveness of the delivery of justice by improving flexibility in dealing with cases to make better use of reduced resources to increase the opportunities for magistrates to retain experience and thus competence The Judicial Business Group (JBG)... More
    Opened 3 August 2015

  • Costs protection in environmental claims

    The consultation is aimed at those who may be involved in or affected by environmental legal challenges in England and Wales falling within the scope of the amendments made by the Public Participation Directive (2003/35/EC) (the relevant amendments have now been incorporated into recast versions of the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU)) or within the scope of the Aarhus Convention. This consultation is an opportunity for you to have your say on... More
    Opened 17 September 2015

  • Enhancing the Quality of Criminal Advocacy

    The Government has issued a consultation paper (Preserving and Enhancing the Quality of Criminal Advocacy) setting out a package of measures to ensure the quality of criminal defence advocacy, reducing the influence of financial incentives on choice of advocate and support clients’ rights to make an informed choice of advocate. The Government has a responsibility to ensure the delivery of an efficient, fair and effective justice system in which the public has confidence and therefore has... More
    Opened 1 October 2015

  • Judicial Appointments Commission Welsh Language Scheme (English version)

    This paper sets out for consultation the JAC's proposed Welsh Language Scheme. The consultation is aimed at those with an interest in judicial appointments, including the judiciary, potential candidates, legal professional bodies and groups with Welsh interests. This voluntary, specialised scheme has been developed to better specify how we treat the Welsh and English languages when using our independent approach to assessing candidates’ suitability for judicial appointment in Wales. It... More
    Opened 8 October 2015

  • Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg (fersiwn Cymraeg) y Comisiwn Penodiadau Barnwrol

    Mae’r papur hwn yn datgan ar gyfer yr ymgynghoriad Gynllun Iaith Gymraeg y Comisiwn Penodiadau Barnwrol. Bwriedir yr ymgynghoriad ar gyfer y rheini sydd â diddordeb mewn penodiadau barnwrol, gan gynnwys y farnwriaeth, ymgeiswyr posibl, cyrff proffesiynol cyfreithiol a grwpiau â buddiannau Cymreig. Mae’r cynllun gwirfoddol, arbenigol hwn wedi cael ei lunio i nodi’n well sut ydym yn trin y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg wrth ddefnyddio ein dull annibynnol o asesu addasrwydd ymgeiswyr ar gyfer... More
    Opened 8 October 2015

  • Independent Commission on Freedom of Information Call for Evidence

    The Independent Commission on Freedom of Information is an independent body established by the Government and sponsored by the Cabinet Office, to review the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and to consider whether there is an appropriate public interest balance between transparency, accountability and the need for sensitive information to have robust protection. The Independent Commission on Freedom of Information’s terms of reference require it to look carefully at the implications for... More
    Opened 9 October 2015

  • Post-implementation review of the coroner reforms in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009

    When the coroner reforms in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”) came into effect in July 2013, the last Government made a commitment to review their impact after they had been in place for 18 months. The aims of the 2009 Act were to put the needs of bereaved people at the heart of the coroner service; for coroner services to be locally delivered within a framework of national standards; and to enable a more efficient system of investigations and inquests. This review... More
    Opened 15 October 2015

  • Consultation on Moving Wisbech Work to Cambridgeshire

    In 2011, following a consultation, HM Courts’ Service merged the Local Justice Areas of Peterborough and Fenland and closed the courthouse in Wisbech. As a result of responses to the consultation, it was directed that criminal cases from Wisbech and six surrounding parishes should be heard at Kings’ Lynn magistrate’s court, which is 14 miles from Wisbech, rather than Peterborough magistrates court, which is 22 miles away. In the ensuing years this arrangement has led... More
    Opened 2 December 2015

  • Consultation on cremation following infant cremation inquiries

    This consultation seeks views on proposals for a number of changes to the Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008, and for improving other aspects of cremation practice. The consultation follows the Government’s consideration of the recommendations of two inquiries into infant cremations: David Jenkins’ inquiry into the way infant cremations were carried out at Emstrey Crematorium in Shropshire between 1996 and 2012. David Jenkins’ June 2015 report established that... More
    Opened 16 December 2015

  • Imposition consultation

    The Sentencing Council is proposing to issue a new definitive guideline for imposition of community and custodial sentences. The Sentencing Council is therefore seeking feedback from sentencers, justices’ clerks, legal advisers, prosecutors, defence representatives and other interested parties on proposals to replace the New Sentences - Criminal Justice Act 2003 definitive guideline 'see link below at' (PDF 1) with a guideline for the Imposition of Community and Custodial Sentences. The... More
    Opened 14 January 2016

  • Reduction in sentence for a guilty plea guideline consultation

    The Sentencing Council is consulting on a draft reduction in sentence for a guilty plea guideline and is seeking the views of people interested in criminal sentencing. The Council is required by law (Coroners and Justice Act 2009 s.120(3)(a)) to produce a guideline on reductions for guilty pleas. There is a current definitive guideline issued by the Council’s predecessor body, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) in 2007 (see link below – PDF 1). The Council collected data on... More
    Opened 11 February 2016

  • Claims Management Regulation consultation: cutting the costs for consumers – financial claims

    This consultation paper sets out proposals to place restrictions on the level of fees that regulated Claims Management Companies (CMCs) can charge consumers in the financial products and services claims sector. The consultation seeks views and further evidence in relation to the proposals and is aimed at all regulated CMCs, trade bodies and anybody with an interest in claims management matters in England and Wales. Proposals We are seeking views and further evidence in relation to... More
    Opened 15 February 2016

  • Fee proposals for grants of probate

    This consultation sets out the government’s proposals for reforming the fee payable for an application for a grant of probate. The proposed fee regime will move from a flat to a banded fee approach, proportionate to, and rising with, the value of the estate, and at the same time will increase the value of the estate below which no fee is payable from £5,000 to £50,000, lifting some 30,000 estates out of paying any fee. The proposals are intended to be fair and progressive. The Government... More
    Opened 18 February 2016

  • Lammy Review of BAME representation in the Criminal Justice System: call for evidence

    In January 2016 the Prime Minister invited David Lammy MP to find out why official figures show that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups appear to be over-represented at most stages of the criminal justice system, and what can be done about it. This is an independent review. It aims to make sure that everyone is treated equally, whatever their ethnicity. The review will look at the way the CJS deals with young people and adults from BAME backgrounds. It will address... More
    Opened 21 March 2016

  • Consultation on proposals for the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) fees

    This consultation sets out the government’s proposals for charging fees in the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) and the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) at full cost recovery levels. To achieve this we are proposing increasing the fees currently charged in the First-tier Tribunal and the introduction of fees for permission to appeal applications and for appeals heard in the Upper Tribunal. Alongside the fee increases the consultation also seeks views on a... More
    Opened 21 April 2016

  • Sentencing youths: Overarching principles and offence specific guidelines on sexual offences and robbery

    The Sentencing Council is seeking views on the draft guideline ‘Sentencing Youths – Overarching Principle and Offence-Specific Guidelines for Sexual Offences and Robbery’. The predecessor body to the Sentencing Council, the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) published a definitive guideline Overarching Principles - Sentencing Youths, in November 2009. It also published offence-specific guidelines for youths within its definitive robbery guideline, published in July 2006, and within... More
    Opened 12 May 2016
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