Government Response
The Government response was published as a Command Paper on 8 November 2013.
Background
On 1 July 2011, the Science and Technology Committee published the report, The Forensic Science Service (FSS), criticising the Government’s plans to close the FSS. The report made several conclusions and recommendations about the transition and consequences of closure and how they should be managed. The FSS closed in March 2012 following a transition period where arrangements were made to deal with its staff, assets and case work.
Since the Committee’s report and closure of the FSS there have been major developments in the provision of forensic science in England and Wales. In addition, police force procurement of forensic science services has changed and the recent election of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) may influence further change. The Science and Technology Committee held an inquiry into these developments.