Minor criminal injuries payments could be cut

Home Office proposes that only the seriously injured receive publicly funded compensation

News, 8 December 2005

The Home Office has announced new proposals for payouts to victims of crime which would mean that thousands of people would no longer be eligible for awards.

The proposal would see payments given only to those who suffer serious injury, although a consultation on the proposal will include an invitation on how to best define "serious".

The reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) would allow a greater percentage of its annual £200 million budget to be spent on the more seriously injured. Those suffering from minor injuries, such as a sprained ankle or the loss of a tooth, would receive practical support through victim care units rather than financial compensation.

In England and Wales, the practical care proposed would be self-defence classes, professional counselling and even plastic surgery. The Scottish Executive is already introducing its own set of measures to help the victims of crime.

Home Office minister Fiona McTaggart said the reforms would mean that more than half of the 40,000 people who currently receive compensation will no longer get it. In 2003, CICA made 42,283 payments across the UK, 60% of which were for payments of between £1,000 and £2,000.

Ms McTaggart is also proposing to shorten the length of time it takes to receive payment, which currently averages 39 weeks. She has not set a cap on the maximum payment, which presently stands at £250,000.

Dame Helen Reeves, head of Victim Support, voiced concern at the new proposals, saying that a payment, however small, was an acknowledgment of what those targeted by criminals had gone through.