Changes to Criminal Injuries Compensation

Early in 2012, the Government consulted on changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme which would have made savings of £40m – £60m through reducing compensation payments to victims of crime. This was part of a wider package of changes to services for victims and witnesses set out in the Government’s consultation document, Getting it right for victims and witnesses. The consultation ended in April 2012, and in July the Government laid a Draft Scheme before Parliament. Whilst there had been some modifications following the consultation, a number of organisations have been campaigning against the changes. The Draft Scheme was approved in the Lords in July 2012. When the Draft Scheme was considered in the Commons by the First Delegated Legislation Committee on 10 September 2012, there were criticisms from both Labour and Conservative Members. The recently-appointed Justice Minister, Helen Grant, decided not to move the relevant motion, so that the Draft Order had to be referred to a new Delegated Legislation Committee.

The Draft Order was debated by the Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee on 1 November 2012, and then approved in the Commons on 12 November 2012 by 275 votes to 231. It is due to come into force on 27 November 2012.