Victims' Right to Review Scheme
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
The Victims' Right to Review (VRR) scheme provides victims of crime in England and Wales with the opportunity to request a review of certain decisions made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not to initiate or to discontinue prosecutions. The guidance outlines who is eligible, how to request a review, the review process, and potential outcomes. The scheme is designed to enhance accountability and ensure victims have a voice in the prosecution process.
Key points
- Victims can request a review of CPS decisions not to prosecute or discontinue
- Eligibility extends to victims and certain close relatives
- Decisions can be reviewed at local CPS offices or by an independent unit
- The review process includes notification and timeframes for victims
- Not all CPS decisions are eligible for review under this scheme
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring justice for victims and communities
- Maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system
- Safeguarding the rights of victims during prosecution
- Providing a transparent review process for victims' concerns
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.