To ask the Attorney General, what recent assessment she has made of the performance of the Crown Prosecution Service in Stockton South constituency.

The Stockton South constituency falls under the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) North East Area. HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) published a report on the performance of CPS North East in October 2021.

Overall, the inspection showed that the Area generally makes the right charging decisions and selects the right charges, properly reflecting the criminality and giving the court adequate sentencing powers.

The Area adds value by the appropriate use of applications to strengthen the evidence in RASSO cases and, to a lesser extent, Crown Court cases. The handling of sensitive unused and third-party material is of a high standard, adding value to the prosecution’s compliance with disclosure duties.

Added value was also demonstrated at sentencing when the prosecution in most instances (and in all casework types) sought the right orders to protect victims, witnesses, and the public.

Although inspectors highlighted where improvements could be made, there were aspects of strength across the Area, which reflects the determination of the CPS to drive improvements.