Every year we support tens of thousands of victims and what they tell us, is that the system is broken. Faith in the police is at rock bottom, court delays are at record levels and victims’ services – a lifeline to many – face serious funding challenges.

The additional funding allocated to the Ministry of Justice in today’s budget is desperately needed to rebuild a criminal justice system on its knees. This uplift must now translate into meaningful improvements for all victims of crime.

As a first step, we urge the Government to deliver consistent, long term funding for victims’ services, ensuring anyone who experiences crime gets the help and support they need, regardless of whether or not they report to the police. Victims who do encounter the criminal justice system deserve a radically better service – which means cutting wait times from report to court and putting an end to adjournments. This budget has potential to drive positive change for victims. It is essential that their needs are prioritised in spending plans that follow.