According to the PCC, the statistics show that:
• The PCC received 12,191 complaints last year. (This figures includes a large number of complaints that could not be taken forward and numerous cases in which the PCC issued only one ruling about a matter that was raised by a number of complainants).
• The PCC issued rulings, or brokered agreed resolutions, in 1937 cases.
• The PCC successfully mediated (resolved to the complainant's satisfaction) 535 cases in 2012.
• In 101 complaints, the Commission ruled that the Editors' Code had been breached and that the publication had offered or taken sufficient action to remedy the breach under the terms of the Code, even though an agreed settlement between the complainant and the publication could not be reached.
• The PCC acted to assist members of the public with pre-publication concerns (about harassment, intrusion or inaccuracy) on 136 occasions.
Commenting on the statistics Lord Hunt, Chair of the PCC, said: "I have always made clear that the present system of press self-regulation needs to change. The evidence to the Leveson Inquiry showed the need for a genuine regulator with a new remit, strong investigative powers and robust, meaningful sanctions.
"Whilst we continue to move towards the construction of a new regulator, the PCC's valuable complaints and pre-publication services remain available to the public. Last year's figures testify to the thousands of people who have been offered practical help by the PCC's committed staff, round the clock, and entirely for free."
"Significant reform of press regulation is needed, and will be delivered. These existing services should be preserved and built on as the new regulator that is desperately needed in the UK is constructed."
