Decisions to administratively finalise a case are now recorded in the CPS Case Management System (CMS) as “Pending response – further investigation” (PRFI). These are not legal decisions and may not be the end of the case. The CPS takes a proactive approach to case management and is clear that PRFI should only be used as a last resort.

The CPS has a standard process for following up with policing when a case is sent for a Full Code Test decision and returned to police with an action plan, such as where further evidence is requested. The National Operating Model for Adult Rape is clear that action plans should contain a suitable and realistic time frame for response, and a follow-up workflow created so the CPS can track and chase actions that have not been completed by police.

A CPS manager will check the status at 28 and 60 days post action plan date to provide oversight. This will lead to escalation where necessary to ensure the required material is received from the police. At the 60-day point, the police will be alerted that a case will be closed in the next 30 days if no response is provided.

The table below shows PRFI data for rape-flagged cases over the five-year period requested:-

In 2023, the CPS introduced new guidance on PRFIs to promote a more consistent approach. CPS Areas were asked to apply the new guidance as part of a one-off integration exercise. Sustained efforts have also been made to increase the volume of police referrals for adult-rape flagged cases, which in 2025/26 are up 26% since 2023/24, and charge volumes, which are up 50%. Improvements in consistency and increases in volumes have, in turn, resulted in an increase in PRFI volumes.

The CPS's obligations to inform victims about certain decisions are set out in the Victims' Code. This includes an obligation to inform victims of a decision not to charge a suspect. Under the Victims' Code, the Police are responsible for updating victims about their case throughout the investigation.

Regional Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Offences (RASSO) Joint Operational Improvement Meetings, chaired by Deputy Crown Prosectors and Policing Chief Inspectors, promote collective responsibility, partnership working and joint messaging across the CPS and police. Standing items at these meetings include PRFI cases and action plan proportionality.

The CPS recognises that delays in RASSO cases have significant impacts on victims and is working to reduce delay. Under the Victim Transformation Programme, all victims of rape have access to a dedicated Victim Liaison Officer who acts as a single point of contact within the CPS, and are offered the option of a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution team, to give them an opportunity to ask questions to better understand what happens at court.

The CPS is continuing to strengthen the collaboration with policing services to improve early interactions. This includes an offer of early advice, enabling the police to seek advice from a prosecutor during the early stages of the case. CPS have also updated guidance on best practice management of cases with multiple action plans to support earlier intervention, clear decision-making, focused action planning and effective CPS-Police engagement.

At the same time, Real Time Case Conversation guidance is being refreshed to make clear the ease and benefits of direct engagement between police and CPS. This joint work supports prosecutors and investigators to identify key evidential issues and agree an effective case strategy, potentially reducing the need for actions plans at a later stage.

Decisions to administratively finalise a case are now recorded in the CPS Case Management System (CMS) as “Pending response – further investigation” (PRFI). These are not legal decisions and may not be the end of the case. The CPS takes a proactive approach to case management and is clear that PRFI should only be used as a last resort.

The CPS has a standard process for following up with policing when a case is sent for a Full Code Test decision and returned to police with an action plan, such as where further evidence is requested. The National Operating Model for Adult Rape is clear that action plans should contain a suitable and realistic time frame for response, and a follow-up workflow created so the CPS can track and chase actions that have not been completed by police.

A CPS manager will check the status at 28 and 60 days post action plan date to provide oversight. This will lead to escalation where necessary to ensure the required material is received from the police. At the 60-day point, the police will be alerted that a case will be closed in the next 30 days if no response is provided.

The table below shows PRFI data for rape-flagged cases over the five-year period requested:-

In 2023, the CPS introduced new guidance on PRFIs to promote a more consistent approach. CPS Areas were asked to apply the new guidance as part of a one-off integration exercise. Sustained efforts have also been made to increase the volume of police referrals for adult-rape flagged cases, which in 2025/26 are up 26% since 2023/24, and charge volumes, which are up 50%. Improvements in consistency and increases in volumes have, in turn, resulted in an increase in PRFI volumes.

The CPS's obligations to inform victims about certain decisions are set out in the Victims' Code. This includes an obligation to inform victims of a decision not to charge a suspect. Under the Victims' Code, the Police are responsible for updating victims about their case throughout the investigation.

Regional Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Offences (RASSO) Joint Operational Improvement Meetings, chaired by Deputy Crown Prosectors and Policing Chief Inspectors, promote collective responsibility, partnership working and joint messaging across the CPS and police. Standing items at these meetings include PRFI cases and action plan proportionality.

The CPS recognises that delays in RASSO cases have significant impacts on victims and is working to reduce delay. Under the Victim Transformation Programme, all victims of rape have access to a dedicated Victim Liaison Officer who acts as a single point of contact within the CPS, and are offered the option of a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution team, to give them an opportunity to ask questions to better understand what happens at court.

The CPS is continuing to strengthen the collaboration with policing services to improve early interactions. This includes an offer of early advice, enabling the police to seek advice from a prosecutor during the early stages of the case. CPS have also updated guidance on best practice management of cases with multiple action plans to support earlier intervention, clear decision-making, focused action planning and effective CPS-Police engagement.

At the same time, Real Time Case Conversation guidance is being refreshed to make clear the ease and benefits of direct engagement between police and CPS. This joint work supports prosecutors and investigators to identify key evidential issues and agree an effective case strategy, potentially reducing the need for actions plans at a later stage.

Decisions to administratively finalise a case are now recorded in the CPS Case Management System (CMS) as “Pending response – further investigation” (PRFI). These are not legal decisions and may not be the end of the case. The CPS takes a proactive approach to case management and is clear that PRFI should only be used as a last resort.

The CPS has a standard process for following up with policing when a case is sent for a Full Code Test decision and returned to police with an action plan, such as where further evidence is requested. The National Operating Model for Adult Rape is clear that action plans should contain a suitable and realistic time frame for response, and a follow-up workflow created so the CPS can track and chase actions that have not been completed by police.

A CPS manager will check the status at 28 and 60 days post action plan date to provide oversight. This will lead to escalation where necessary to ensure the required material is received from the police. At the 60-day point, the police will be alerted that a case will be closed in the next 30 days if no response is provided.

The table below shows PRFI data for rape-flagged cases over the five-year period requested:-

In 2023, the CPS introduced new guidance on PRFIs to promote a more consistent approach. CPS Areas were asked to apply the new guidance as part of a one-off integration exercise. Sustained efforts have also been made to increase the volume of police referrals for adult-rape flagged cases, which in 2025/26 are up 26% since 2023/24, and charge volumes, which are up 50%. Improvements in consistency and increases in volumes have, in turn, resulted in an increase in PRFI volumes.

The CPS's obligations to inform victims about certain decisions are set out in the Victims' Code. This includes an obligation to inform victims of a decision not to charge a suspect. Under the Victims' Code, the Police are responsible for updating victims about their case throughout the investigation.

Regional Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Offences (RASSO) Joint Operational Improvement Meetings, chaired by Deputy Crown Prosectors and Policing Chief Inspectors, promote collective responsibility, partnership working and joint messaging across the CPS and police. Standing items at these meetings include PRFI cases and action plan proportionality.

The CPS recognises that delays in RASSO cases have significant impacts on victims and is working to reduce delay. Under the Victim Transformation Programme, all victims of rape have access to a dedicated Victim Liaison Officer who acts as a single point of contact within the CPS, and are offered the option of a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution team, to give them an opportunity to ask questions to better understand what happens at court.

The CPS is continuing to strengthen the collaboration with policing services to improve early interactions. This includes an offer of early advice, enabling the police to seek advice from a prosecutor during the early stages of the case. CPS have also updated guidance on best practice management of cases with multiple action plans to support earlier intervention, clear decision-making, focused action planning and effective CPS-Police engagement.

At the same time, Real Time Case Conversation guidance is being refreshed to make clear the ease and benefits of direct engagement between police and CPS. This joint work supports prosecutors and investigators to identify key evidential issues and agree an effective case strategy, potentially reducing the need for actions plans at a later stage.

Decisions to administratively finalise a case are now recorded in the CPS Case Management System (CMS) as “Pending response – further investigation” (PRFI). These are not legal decisions and may not be the end of the case. The CPS takes a proactive approach to case management and is clear that PRFI should only be used as a last resort.

The CPS has a standard process for following up with policing when a case is sent for a Full Code Test decision and returned to police with an action plan, such as where further evidence is requested. The National Operating Model for Adult Rape is clear that action plans should contain a suitable and realistic time frame for response, and a follow-up workflow created so the CPS can track and chase actions that have not been completed by police.

A CPS manager will check the status at 28 and 60 days post action plan date to provide oversight. This will lead to escalation where necessary to ensure the required material is received from the police. At the 60-day point, the police will be alerted that a case will be closed in the next 30 days if no response is provided.

The table below shows PRFI data for rape-flagged cases over the five-year period requested:-

In 2023, the CPS introduced new guidance on PRFIs to promote a more consistent approach. CPS Areas were asked to apply the new guidance as part of a one-off integration exercise. Sustained efforts have also been made to increase the volume of police referrals for adult-rape flagged cases, which in 2025/26 are up 26% since 2023/24, and charge volumes, which are up 50%. Improvements in consistency and increases in volumes have, in turn, resulted in an increase in PRFI volumes.

The CPS's obligations to inform victims about certain decisions are set out in the Victims' Code. This includes an obligation to inform victims of a decision not to charge a suspect. Under the Victims' Code, the Police are responsible for updating victims about their case throughout the investigation.

Regional Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Offences (RASSO) Joint Operational Improvement Meetings, chaired by Deputy Crown Prosectors and Policing Chief Inspectors, promote collective responsibility, partnership working and joint messaging across the CPS and police. Standing items at these meetings include PRFI cases and action plan proportionality.

The CPS recognises that delays in RASSO cases have significant impacts on victims and is working to reduce delay. Under the Victim Transformation Programme, all victims of rape have access to a dedicated Victim Liaison Officer who acts as a single point of contact within the CPS, and are offered the option of a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution team, to give them an opportunity to ask questions to better understand what happens at court.

The CPS is continuing to strengthen the collaboration with policing services to improve early interactions. This includes an offer of early advice, enabling the police to seek advice from a prosecutor during the early stages of the case. CPS have also updated guidance on best practice management of cases with multiple action plans to support earlier intervention, clear decision-making, focused action planning and effective CPS-Police engagement.

At the same time, Real Time Case Conversation guidance is being refreshed to make clear the ease and benefits of direct engagement between police and CPS. This joint work supports prosecutors and investigators to identify key evidential issues and agree an effective case strategy, potentially reducing the need for actions plans at a later stage.

Decisions to administratively finalise a case are now recorded in the CPS Case Management System (CMS) as “Pending response – further investigation” (PRFI). These are not legal decisions and may not be the end of the case. The CPS takes a proactive approach to case management and is clear that PRFI should only be used as a last resort.

The CPS has a standard process for following up with policing when a case is sent for a Full Code Test decision and returned to police with an action plan, such as where further evidence is requested. The National Operating Model for Adult Rape is clear that action plans should contain a suitable and realistic time frame for response, and a follow-up workflow created so the CPS can track and chase actions that have not been completed by police.

A CPS manager will check the status at 28 and 60 days post action plan date to provide oversight. This will lead to escalation where necessary to ensure the required material is received from the police. At the 60-day point, the police will be alerted that a case will be closed in the next 30 days if no response is provided.

The table below shows PRFI data for rape-flagged cases over the five-year period requested:-

In 2023, the CPS introduced new guidance on PRFIs to promote a more consistent approach. CPS Areas were asked to apply the new guidance as part of a one-off integration exercise. Sustained efforts have also been made to increase the volume of police referrals for adult-rape flagged cases, which in 2025/26 are up 26% since 2023/24, and charge volumes, which are up 50%. Improvements in consistency and increases in volumes have, in turn, resulted in an increase in PRFI volumes.

The CPS's obligations to inform victims about certain decisions are set out in the Victims' Code. This includes an obligation to inform victims of a decision not to charge a suspect. Under the Victims' Code, the Police are responsible for updating victims about their case throughout the investigation.

Regional Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Offences (RASSO) Joint Operational Improvement Meetings, chaired by Deputy Crown Prosectors and Policing Chief Inspectors, promote collective responsibility, partnership working and joint messaging across the CPS and police. Standing items at these meetings include PRFI cases and action plan proportionality.

The CPS recognises that delays in RASSO cases have significant impacts on victims and is working to reduce delay. Under the Victim Transformation Programme, all victims of rape have access to a dedicated Victim Liaison Officer who acts as a single point of contact within the CPS, and are offered the option of a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution team, to give them an opportunity to ask questions to better understand what happens at court.

The CPS is continuing to strengthen the collaboration with policing services to improve early interactions. This includes an offer of early advice, enabling the police to seek advice from a prosecutor during the early stages of the case. CPS have also updated guidance on best practice management of cases with multiple action plans to support earlier intervention, clear decision-making, focused action planning and effective CPS-Police engagement.

At the same time, Real Time Case Conversation guidance is being refreshed to make clear the ease and benefits of direct engagement between police and CPS. This joint work supports prosecutors and investigators to identify key evidential issues and agree an effective case strategy, potentially reducing the need for actions plans at a later stage.

Decisions to administratively finalise a case are now recorded in the CPS Case Management System (CMS) as “Pending response – further investigation” (PRFI). These are not legal decisions and may not be the end of the case. The CPS takes a proactive approach to case management and is clear that PRFI should only be used as a last resort.

The CPS has a standard process for following up with policing when a case is sent for a Full Code Test decision and returned to police with an action plan, such as where further evidence is requested. The National Operating Model for Adult Rape is clear that action plans should contain a suitable and realistic time frame for response, and a follow-up workflow created so the CPS can track and chase actions that have not been completed by police.

A CPS manager will check the status at 28 and 60 days post action plan date to provide oversight. This will lead to escalation where necessary to ensure the required material is received from the police. At the 60-day point, the police will be alerted that a case will be closed in the next 30 days if no response is provided.

The table below shows PRFI data for rape-flagged cases over the five-year period requested:-

In 2023, the CPS introduced new guidance on PRFIs to promote a more consistent approach. CPS Areas were asked to apply the new guidance as part of a one-off integration exercise. Sustained efforts have also been made to increase the volume of police referrals for adult-rape flagged cases, which in 2025/26 are up 26% since 2023/24, and charge volumes, which are up 50%. Improvements in consistency and increases in volumes have, in turn, resulted in an increase in PRFI volumes.

The CPS's obligations to inform victims about certain decisions are set out in the Victims' Code. This includes an obligation to inform victims of a decision not to charge a suspect. Under the Victims' Code, the Police are responsible for updating victims about their case throughout the investigation.

Regional Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Offences (RASSO) Joint Operational Improvement Meetings, chaired by Deputy Crown Prosectors and Policing Chief Inspectors, promote collective responsibility, partnership working and joint messaging across the CPS and police. Standing items at these meetings include PRFI cases and action plan proportionality.

The CPS recognises that delays in RASSO cases have significant impacts on victims and is working to reduce delay. Under the Victim Transformation Programme, all victims of rape have access to a dedicated Victim Liaison Officer who acts as a single point of contact within the CPS, and are offered the option of a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution team, to give them an opportunity to ask questions to better understand what happens at court.

The CPS is continuing to strengthen the collaboration with policing services to improve early interactions. This includes an offer of early advice, enabling the police to seek advice from a prosecutor during the early stages of the case. CPS have also updated guidance on best practice management of cases with multiple action plans to support earlier intervention, clear decision-making, focused action planning and effective CPS-Police engagement.

At the same time, Real Time Case Conversation guidance is being refreshed to make clear the ease and benefits of direct engagement between police and CPS. This joint work supports prosecutors and investigators to identify key evidential issues and agree an effective case strategy, potentially reducing the need for actions plans at a later stage.

This Government is committed to improving the criminal justice response to sexual offences and improving outcomes for victims. We expect the police to investigate sexual offences promptly and effectively, while maintaining appropriate records and adhering to relevant legislation, the Victims' Code, and national police guidance.

Through the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection, we have provided police forces with academic-informed guidance and tools to improve their response to sexual offences. This includes working with prosecutors to build the strongest, suspect-focused cases with victims’ needs at the core of the investigation, including where decisions are made regarding bail and other safeguarding arrangements.

To ensure these crimes are effectively prioritised by policing, the Home Secretary has asked all forces in England and Wales to implement a specialist rape and sexual offence team by December 2027. We are also rolling independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, to ensure victims can access expert advice and support on their rights, evidence requests, complaints, compensation claims, and special measures.

We recognise the impact that delays in the criminal justice system can have on victims' confidence and await the findings from the super complaint on the length of sexual offence investigations which is currently being investigated by HMICFRS, the IOPC and the College of Policing.

In addition, every Crown Court in England and Wales will get at least one courtroom especially set up to hear rape and serious sexual offence cases over the next two years and the Lord Chancellor has established a Rape Justice Taskforce which brings together leaders from across the criminal justice system to drive real change to reduce delays and restore trust and confidence.

Where victims feel their experiences fall below the standards expected of the police through the Victims Code, they may complain to the relevant force, Police and Crime Commissioner or the IOPC. The Home Secretary has launched an the ‘end to end review of the police accountability system’. This independent review will make recommendations on the changes which could be made to improve the timeliness, efficiency and effectiveness of the systems for holding police officers to account.

The Government Legal Department and the Crown Prosecution Service continue to act in accordance with their respective legal and operational frameworks.

The Judge circulated her draft directions to all parties in writing. Leading Counsel for the Prosecution and Defence subsequently provided the Judge, on two occasions, with a joint document setting out proposed amendments. Those amendments included a request by the Prosecution that the summing-up should make clear that the unlawful act relied upon, for the purposes of unlawful act manslaughter was an assault, and that the relevant mens rea for that assault included recklessness. Leading Prosecution Counsel also made oral representations in open court reiterating that submission.

The process for jury directions and consultation with advocates is clearly set out in the Crown Court Compendium. It stipulates that ‘All written directions for the jury must be discussed, and preferably agreed, with the advocates well before they are provided to the jury’. This requirement is reiterated in the CPS policy Instructions for Prosecution Advocates which is incorporated into every prosecution brief and states ‘Advocates must also ensure that appropriate judicial directions are given in accordance with the Crown Court Compendium.

The CPS has maintained liaison with Aria’s family. It would not be appropriate to comment further on those communications.

Tackling domestic abuse is a top priority for the government under our commitment to halve violence against women and girls.

Domestic abuse flagged charging decisions continue to have shorter timeframes than those for crime overall. In 2025/26, the mean average time from referral to charge in domestic abuse flagged cases was 25 days, compared with 44 days across all crime types. The median time from referral to charge was one day, indicating that many charging decisions were made shortly after referral to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In addition, 74.9% of charging consultations in domestic abuse flagged cases were completed within 28 days, higher than the 71.7% recorded across crime overall.

The CPS continues to work with criminal justice partners to improve the timeliness of charging decisions, particularly in more complex cases where further evidence may be required before a charging decision can be made. Through the CPS and National Police Chiefs’ (NPCC) Council Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan, the CPS is working closely with policing partners through the Pathfinder Programme to strengthen early collaboration between police and prosecutors, improve case quality, and support more timely progression from investigation to charging decision.

Alongside this, the CPS, NPCC and Home Office are currently piloting the Charging Authority Project across England and Wales, enabling the police to charge in select domestic abuse cases and forming part of wider efforts across the criminal justice system to reduce delays and improve the handling of cases. This initiative is being piloted in two CPS Areas, with plans for expansion currently being considered.

These charging initiatives form part of the CPS's objective to strengthen the handling of domestic abuse cases and deliver effective charging decisions, helping victims to access justice sooner while ensuring offenders are held to account.

Based on last week’s attendance figures, 152 of the remaining 226 Manchester-based staff attended the Sunlight House office, representing 67.26% of office-based staff.

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service in ensuring access to justice for victims of crime.

I am very sorry to hear of the hon. Member’s constituent’s experience. If she wants to provide details of the case, I will raise it directly with the CPS. She is absolutely right that victims deserve timely justice. Delays can have a profound impact on victims. That is why the Government are taking action to deliver a faster and more effective justice system, including investing at record levels in maximising court capacity. We have invested an additional £96 million in the CPS, increasing its funding by more than 10% between 2026 and 2029. That means more prosecutors being able to make charging decisions, prepare cases for court and bring offenders to justice.

I thank the Attorney General for her answer, but a constituent from Guildford has endured repeated delays to a domestic abuse prosecution. Causes included the Crown Prosecution Service failing to secure a barrister, and a trial collapsing after eight days as the proceedings had overrun and jurors could no longer continue, due to other commitments. She now faces the prospect of waiting for justice until June 2028, almost five years after her husband’s arrest. By then, there is a real risk that crucial evidence will have been lost. Does the Attorney General recognise that administrative failures like these undermine victims’ confidence in the criminal justice system? What accountability is there when CPS failings cause such devastating delays?

Under the enhanced service that victims of domestic abuse will now be offered by the CPS, they will have a dedicated victim liaison officer supporting them from charge through to trial. Also, in three CPS areas, we are piloting offering victims of domestic abuse in the Crown court a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution team, to support them on their journey to justice.

With Cumbria experiencing rates of domestic abuse significantly higher than the England average, and with victims often feeling traumatised by the process of securing justice, how is the Attorney General working with the CPS to ensure victims’ voices are not ignored by the justice system?

Last month, I announced the national roll-out of the CPS victim transformation programme, including a universal service for all victims, and an enhanced service for domestic abuse survivors; an enhanced service is already offered to victims of rape. Under the enhanced service, every domestic abuse victim will have a dedicated victim liaison officer, who will remain a point of contact from charge through to trial. I said that I would put victims at the heart of the justice system, and we are getting on and delivering on that commitment.