PCC welcomes specialist rape courts announcement but seeks clarity on local delivery

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has welcomed plans to roll out specialist rape and serious sexual offence courts across England and Wales, saying the changes could help victims receive justice more quickly, while also raising questions about how the reforms will be delivered locally.

The Government has announced that every Crown Court will receive at least one specialist courtroom set up for rape and serious sexual offence cases, alongside dedicated facilities for victims and measures to prioritise cases through the court system.

As Chair of the Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board, Mr Wilkinson said the reforms have the potential to improve the experience of victims and reduce delays, but that further detail is needed on how they will be implemented in Wiltshire and whether sufficient resources will be made available to deliver the promised improvements.

According to the announcement, rape and serious sexual offence cases will be given greater priority within the courts, with fixed trial dates rather than being placed on floating lists, alongside specialist facilities including separate entrances, exits and waiting areas for victims. The measures are designed to reduce delays, improve victims' experiences and help bring more offenders to justice.

Mr Wilkinson said: "Victims of rape and serious sexual offences have waited far too long for justice for far too long. The impact of these crimes is devastating and lengthy delays through the criminal justice system can add significantly to the trauma experienced by survivors.

"The principle behind these reforms is absolutely the right one. Prioritising rape cases and creating specialist court environments should help victims feel better supported and, crucially, reduce the time they must wait for their cases to be heard and concluded.

"There are, however, important questions around how these changes will be delivered in Wiltshire and whether the resources will be available locally to make them a reality.

“We need to understand what additional capacity will be created within the court system and whether individual court buildings will actually receive funding to provide the separate waiting rooms, entrances and exits that have been announced.

"Anything that helps victims remain engaged with the process and increases confidence in the criminal justice system is to be welcomed but implementation will be key to ensuring these reforms deliver the improvements victims deserve."

The rollout will take place over the next two years and will be supported by additional investment, trauma-informed training for court staff and measures designed to put victims at the centre of the criminal justice system.

Mr Wilkinson added: "If these reforms help reduce delays and ensure more victims remain engaged with the criminal justice process, they have the potential to make a real difference.

"Through the Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board, we will continue working with partners across policing, the courts, the Crown Prosecution Service and victim support services to ensure victims receive the support they need and deserve throughout their journey to justice."

Published Wednesday 23 September 2026