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12/01/2004
£25m Victims Fund under consideration
The Commons is considering new legislation that could see the setting up of a national Victims Fund worth £25 million, it has been revealed today.
According to the consultation paper, offenders could pay more towards compensation and support for victims through higher surcharges on criminal convictions and Fixed Penalty Notices for criminal offences, such as parking and speeding fines.
Working in conjunction with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS), the Fund will ensure that victims can access a variety of support services tailored to their needs. Measures are also being taken forward to ensure that the CICS is administered "as efficiently and cost effectively as possible". Coupled with new legislation, the government hopes that a new and improved service will be created.
Home Secretary David Blunkett: "A Victims Fund will put more money into services such as practical support, information and advice to victims of rape and sexual offences, road traffic accident victims and those who have been bereaved as a result of crime.
"We want to provide more funding to the voluntary sector and communities to meet local needs. I am determined to ensure that victims feel able to come forward and can be confident that when they do they receive the practical and emotional as well as financial support that they need to rebuild their lives."
Other proposals for compensating victims, include: introducing a right for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to recover money from offenders; and working in partnership with the insurance industry and alcohol industry to improve safety measures, prevent victimisation and consider ways to reduce victimisation such as sponsoring local victims' schemes.
Under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, blameless victims of crimes of violence received more than 40,000 awards a year and some £160 million is paid out in compensation.
(gmcg)
According to the consultation paper, offenders could pay more towards compensation and support for victims through higher surcharges on criminal convictions and Fixed Penalty Notices for criminal offences, such as parking and speeding fines.
Working in conjunction with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS), the Fund will ensure that victims can access a variety of support services tailored to their needs. Measures are also being taken forward to ensure that the CICS is administered "as efficiently and cost effectively as possible". Coupled with new legislation, the government hopes that a new and improved service will be created.
Home Secretary David Blunkett: "A Victims Fund will put more money into services such as practical support, information and advice to victims of rape and sexual offences, road traffic accident victims and those who have been bereaved as a result of crime.
"We want to provide more funding to the voluntary sector and communities to meet local needs. I am determined to ensure that victims feel able to come forward and can be confident that when they do they receive the practical and emotional as well as financial support that they need to rebuild their lives."
Other proposals for compensating victims, include: introducing a right for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to recover money from offenders; and working in partnership with the insurance industry and alcohol industry to improve safety measures, prevent victimisation and consider ways to reduce victimisation such as sponsoring local victims' schemes.
Under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, blameless victims of crimes of violence received more than 40,000 awards a year and some £160 million is paid out in compensation.
(gmcg)
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Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
11 September 2012
Government U-Turn On Criminal Injury Compensation Cuts
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Government U-Turn On Criminal Injury Compensation Cuts
Plans to scrap compensation payments to victims of minor criminal assaults have been shelved. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) had wanted to restrict payments from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to those suffering serious injuries, saying that such a limit would shave £50m off the annual £449m bill.
06 April 2004
Charity lottery fund gets 'Big' launch
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27 March 2015
Justice Secretary Introduces New Criminal Court Charge
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced new rules that will see convicted criminals in England and Wales pay up to £1,200 towards court costs. The new Criminal Courts Charge will be introduced on 13 April, will begin at £150 and will not be means-tested. Mr Grayling said the new cost will ensure "criminals pay their way".
Justice Secretary Introduces New Criminal Court Charge
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced new rules that will see convicted criminals in England and Wales pay up to £1,200 towards court costs. The new Criminal Courts Charge will be introduced on 13 April, will begin at £150 and will not be means-tested. Mr Grayling said the new cost will ensure "criminals pay their way".
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