Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

The House of Commons approved changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme last week.

The Government will cut between £40-60 million from the scheme which is available to victims of crime in recognition of their pain and suffering and to compensate for loss of earnings and special care costs.

The new scheme will dramatically alter those who are eligible for compensation, the injuries which an individual will be compensated for and how much they will receive in compensation. I voted against these changes because I am concerned that almost 90 per cent of eligible victims will be affected. Compensation for victims of crime is important in supporting victims with both the financial and emotional cost of crime.