Previously, the only victims who were eligible for free transcripts of sentencing remarks were victims of rape or serious sexual offences (RASSO), or families of homicide, manslaughter and fatal road accident victims. Most victims whose cases were heard in the Crown Court were therefore unable to request free provision of sentencing remarks and were instead required to pay a fee, with costs being higher for longer or more complex sentencing remarks. This meant that many victims, particularly those who could not face attending the sentencing hearing, were left without a clear explanation of how the judge reached the sentence.
	Following a review of the operational and procedural requirements necessary for implementation, this measure expands free provision of sentencing remarks to all victims whose case was heard in the Crown Court, with details including the timeframes within which a transcript of sentencing remarks must be provided, any limited exceptions to the provision and any necessary safeguards, intended to be set out in regulations.
	Removing this financial barrier makes the justice process more accessible and empowers victims to receive important information in a way that feels right for them. It also provides an alternative for those who may find attending the sentencing hearing distressing or retraumatising.
Policy background Part 1: Sentencing Court transcripts