PCC Calls for Greater Support for Victims Amid Sentencing Reforms

17th August 2026

PCC calls for more support for victims affected by the Government’s Sentencing Act reforms

Matthew Scott, Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has co-signed a letter to the new Justice Secretary, Rt Hon Alex Norris MP, calling for more support for victims affected by the Government’s reforms to sentencing and early release.

Mr Scott shares the portfolio for Victims at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners with the PCC for Avon and Somerset, Clare Moody, with whom the letter was co-signed.

The letter calls for better communication with victims, improved links with local victim support services, assurances on safeguards and an input for restorative justice services.

Mr Scott said

“Victims and witnesses should be at the heart of the justice system but are already experiencing significant waits for their cases to be heard in court. Their confidence in the system is being shaken further by the prospect that offenders either won’t go to prison or will be released much earlier. That is not right or fair.

There needs to be urgent action to provide clarity and timely information for victims, and give them the assurance that proper safeguarding measures are in place to protect them. What has been suggested so far is not sufficient. I hope the Justice Secretary will heed the call of Deputy Mayors and PCCs and work with us as the local victim champions.”

Commenting on the reforms more widely, Mr Scott said

“The Government needs to listen to PCCs and Chief Constables, who are raising legitimate concerns about the prisoners who are being released early and change course. It is not right that the killers of PC Andrew Harper should ever have been considered for early release and the Government must do all they can to stop this.

Their reforms are also placing a massive burden on policing. They will cost £480m for policing to manage, with no extra resources to mitigate, and could lead to an increase in crime nationally. When Parliament returns in September, we need to see a radical plan of action to address this.”

ENDS

Note to editors:

- You can read the letter here.

- Matthew Scott is available to interview upon request.