Offenders now liable to support Victim Surcharge Fund

People who commit offences in Scotland from today and are then fined in court will be required to make an additional payment to help support victims of crime.

The additional financial penalty will be paid into the Victim Surcharge Fund. Victim support organisations will be able to apply to the fund to cover the costs of providing short-term and practical support such as new windows and locks for housebreaking victims, or funeral expenses for families of murder victims.

The level of the surcharge will depend on the amount of the fine. It starts at £10 for fines up to £200, rising to £20 for higher fines up to £500, then £40 for fines up to £1,000, £75 for fines up to £2,500, £175 for fines between £2,500 and £5,000, £350 between £5,000 and £10,000 and 7 1/2% of any fine exceeding £10,000.

Payments from the fund will start to be made in six to 12 months’ time.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said the new fund would be a "valuable addition" to support available for victims. He commented: "It’s only right that criminals should pay towards helping victims to recover and move on with their lives. The money raised through the surcharge will pay for practical support that will make a real difference to victims and their families.