MoJ invites views on Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Review

The UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is inviting comments on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Review 2020.

The recently published Review is designed to respond to challenges that the Scheme is not fit for purpose, that it is unnecessarily complex, and that eligibility rules are too stringent and do not reflect improved understanding of the impacts of some violent crimes. 

The Review involved analysis of a large number of claims decided by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) over a three-year period, to understand how the eligibility rules and requirements of the Scheme have been applied. 

Alex Chalk MP,  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, said: “A key focus of this review has been to make the Scheme simpler and more transparent. I want to make it easier for victims to understand and engage with the Scheme. This review has also shown me that we can and must do more to raise awareness about the Scheme. The revised Victims’ Code offers a chance to clearly set out the minimum level of service victims can expect. 

“The reforms proposed in this consultation reflect that many aspects of the Scheme are working well, and most applicants are well supported. However, the consultation acknowledges that there are areas for improvement, as well as difficult balances to be struck in relation to the eligibility rules of the Scheme.”

Among other things the Review considers the purpose and scope of the Scheme and how it might impact individuals differently. It explores the Scheme’s definition of a crime of violence and the impacts of the Scheme’s current provisions on victims of child sexual abuse and of terrorism. 

The Review sets out proposals on eligibility rules, among other things reflecting on the Scheme’s aim to deliver compensation for those most seriously injured by violent crime. 

It considers the current structure of awards and tariffs, looking specifically at the possibilities of a simpler and more straightforward approach. In addition, it considers claims for disabling mental injuries, payments in fatal cases, the interaction of the Scheme with other compensation payments, and other payments such as loss of earnings. 

The consultation ends on 9 October 2020.

You can read details of the Review and consultation here.