Victims and Prisoners Act 2024

73 Parole Board rules

(1) Section 239 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (the Parole Board) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (5), for the words after “including” to the end substitute “rules—

(a) authorising cases to be dealt with by a prescribed number of its members;

(b) requiring cases to be dealt with by, or by members including, members of a prescribed description;

(c) requiring cases to be dealt with at prescribed times.”

(3) After subsection (5C) insert—

“(5D) Rules under subsection (5) may also make provision for functions of the Board (including judicial functions) to be exercised by employees of the Board, other than any function so far as its exercise involves—

(a) making a public protection decision in relation to a prisoner within the meaning of section 237A(2) of this Act or section 28ZA(2) of the 1997 Act;

(b) giving a direction for the release of a prisoner on licence under this Chapter or under Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the 1997 Act;

(c) making a decision or giving a direction under subsection (4) or (4F) of section 31A of the 1997 Act (imprisonment or detention for public protection: termination of licences);

(d) reconsidering a decision or setting aside a decision or direction under provision made by virtue of subsection (5A).”