Fines collection holding up despite COVID, SCTS reports

Fines collection rates have held consistently strong in spite of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the latest Quarterly Fines Report from Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service. 

The report, which covers the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 Q1 as measured at 19 October 2020, shows that the three-year collection rate for sheriff court fines, by value paid or on track to be paid, remains steady at 86%, while the rate for justice of the peace court fines is up one point to 85%. 

It also reveals that 73% of the value of the new victim surcharge penalties, introduced in relation to offences committed on or after 25 November 2019, had been paid as at 19 October 2020; but just 35% of police fixed penalties imposed during COVID-19 restrictions, and 28% by value, between 26 March and 31 August 2020, had been paid or were on track to be paid by 19 October.

SCTS states that it recognises that individuals face the very real risk of suffering significant financial hardship during the coronavirus crisis and has focused on collection measures that enable fines enforcement officers to provide information, advice and support to customers who are struggling to maintain their payments. 

Some 2,500 new payment terms have been agreed with offenders within the three months prior to 19 October 2020, following the introduction of a dedicated helpline and an online form to simplify the process for customers to seek information and advice.

However SCTS warns that offenders remain liable to pay fines, and failure to engage with fines officers will result in enforcement action being taken. 

Click here to access the report.