Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

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Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Andy Edwards »

Madam Speaker,

I beg to move that leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish a framework of rights for victims of crime; to provide for the enforcement of such rights; to provide for the training of criminal justice staff on the impact of crime on victims; and for connected purposes.

It has been my honour and privilege to serve in the Home Office in a variety of roles over the past few years and to see up-close the functioning of our justice system. Of course no system of laws nor enforcement can be made perfect; that's our nature as human beings. But the role of this system is to enforce the norms of our society: basic norms such as you shall not steal, you shall not murder, and many other legitimate laws that are designed to protect the country and the people living in it.

These laws are designed to prevent people from becoming victims, and it is sad but true that there are laws that are broken and there are victims that such law-breaking leaves behind. I know it is of them we think when we- a general we, not just the Government- speak of a need to be tough on crime, because we want to not only uplift and protect victims but to also prevent the creation of new victims in the future. And yet our system loses sight of that need to uplift and protect victims rather early on in the process. Yes, they are involved in criminal investigations. But when our criminal justice system takes over, there is less there to protect victims of crime and to let them play a meaningful role in the process.

The Bill would ensure that victims have the right to accurate and timely information from all relevant agencies; notice of all court and legal proceedings relating to the victim’s perpetrator; and direct contact details of all criminal justice agencies and individuals involved in the proceedings. For those who are at continued risk- such as victims who are involved in domestic violence or on-going abuse cases- there is protection provided for them in ensuring that they have access to protection throughout the criminal justice process itself. Victims need not fear being put into the same room as those that might hurt them or even frighten them away from sharing their part of the story, important as it is. There is also a provision to ensure that victims would have the right to a case companion who would update the victim on the progress of their case. Young witnesses would also have access to registered intermediaries to help them understand court procedures.

Most importantly, this Bill also ensures those rights are enforceable. It is one thing to have a declaration of this is how victims shall be treated, but to leave it at that would be doing a disservice to those very victims that again our entire system is designed to uplift and protect. It establishes an independent board with the authority to investigate violations of the rights established under this Bill, and ensures that board has the authority to levy fines against individuals or against organisations- of the state or otherwise- that would not protect those rights.

It is my hope that this Bill sees the cross-party support that it deserves. I don't think there is anyone in this House that would be against providing greater support and protections to the victims of crime. We all would want to see change, because that is something that we owe the victims of crime who have suffered and deserve only fair treatment and just compensation for what they have suffered through no fault of their own.

I commend this Bill to the House.
Victims (Bill of Rights) Act 2001


An Act to establish a framework for rights for victims of crime; to provide for the enforcement of such rights; to provide for the training of criminal justice staff on the impact of crime on victims; and for connected purposes.

Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1. Victims’ Rights Framework.

(a.) The Secretary of State shall within one year of this Act coming into force make an order containing a framework setting out the rights of victims of crime, to be known as the “Victims’ Bill of Rights”.

(b.) An order under subsection 1 must include provisions of a kind set out in Schedule 1 to this Act.

Section 2. Enforcement Through Regulatory Body.

(a.) The Secretary of State shall establish a regulatory body, to be known as the Victims’ Rights Board (hereafter referred to as the VRB).

(b.) The duties of the VRB shall be to ensure the rights laid out in this legislation and in the accompanying framework in Section 1. are enforced and to investigate charges from victims or from other persons that such rights have been breached.

(c.) The VRB shall also, in cooperation with the Secretary of State and with other relevant and interested stakeholders, develop quality standards for the provision of victims’ services and to prepare recommendations on changes or additions to the rights laid out in this legislation and in the accompanying framework in Section 1.

(d.) The VRB shall, in cooperation with the Secretary of State and with other relevant and interested stakeholders, provide an annual report on its progress in developing and maintaining quality standards for the provision of victims services and on any changes or additions to the rights laid out in this legislation. The report must be submitted to the Secretary of State and any relevant and interested stakeholders every 12 months and the results of such a report must be made publicly accessible.

(e.) An investigation carried out under subsection (b.) must be completed within 28 days of the complaint being received and the VRB must present the findings of its investigation to the victim of crime concerned and to the person making the complaint, where they are not the victim of crime concerned.

(f) Where the VRB upholds a complaint, the person or body which is the subject of the complaint must respond to the complaint within 28 days.

(g.) The VRB may impose a fine on a person or body if that person or body fails to provide a response under subsection (e.) within 28 days; or is found by the VRB to have breached the victim’s rights under the rights laid out in this legislation and in the accompanying framework in Section 1.

(h.) An agency or individual fined under subsection (f.) shall be liable to pay such compensation as the VRB shall determine to the victim concerned and/or to the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF, detailed below).

(i.) The Secretary of State shall by regulations make further provision about the appointment, responsibilities and accountability of the VRB.

Section 3. Victims Compensation Fund.

(a.) There shall be established an independent fund by HM Treasury, such fund to be named and referred to as the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF).

(b.) The VCF shall be the vehicle through which payments made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are paid, with such sums continuing to be paid for out of money provided by Parliament.

(c.) The Secretary of State and the appropriate authority as designed by the Secretary of State shall oversee the fund.

(d.) The Secretary of State shall within one year of this Act coming into force provide a revision to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme which would include additional payment provisions for non-physical-injury-related costs. Such revision must include coverage of a kind set out in Schedule 2 of this Act.

Section 4. Financial Provisions.

(a.) With the exception of payments that are to be made from the Victims Compensation Fund in Section (3.) of this Act, any expenditure incurred under this Act by the Secretary of State shall be paid for out of money provided by Parliament.

(b.) With the exception of sums directed to be paid to a victim under the provisions of Section (2.)(g.), all sums received by the Secretary of State under this Act shall be paid into the Victims Compensation Fund.

Section 5. Orders and Regulations.

(a.) Any power to make an order or regulations under this Act is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(b.) A statutory instrument containing an order or regulations under this Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

Section 6. Enactment and Extent

(a.) This Act may be cited as the "Victims (Bill of Rights) Act 2001."

(b.) Sections (1.) and (2.) of this Act shall extend only to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

(c.) Consistent with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995, Sections (4.) and (5.) shall extend only to England, Wales, and Scotland.

(d.) This Act shall come into effect following Royal Assent and on such a day that the Secretary of State may appoint by statutory instrument.


Schedule 1. Victims’ Bill of Rights

Overarching Rights

(1.) A victim of a crime shall be entitled to receive, at their request-

(a.) accurate and timely information from all criminal justice agencies concerned relating to the detection and prosecution of the relevant crime and relating to the support of victims of crime;

(b.) adequate notice of all relevant court and legal proceedings, including information about decisions by and discussions between or among criminal justice agencies relating to the person convicted of the crime including information of any previous sentences served by such convicted person, changes to the circumstances of the convicted person on parole or in custody, and information on crimes committed by the convicted person outside the United Kingdom, provided that such information does not violate rights of privacy;

(c.) access to adequate interpretation and translation services; and

(d.) information about direct contact details of criminal justice agencies and individuals involved in court or other legal proceedings.

(2.) Police Authorities must provide safe and effective ways for victims to report a crime in the relevant area, including through anonymous means.

(3.) The VRB must review arrangements set up in paragraph (2.) and report the results of the reviews.

Right to Review Decisions Not to Prosecute

(4.) In the event of a criminal prosecution being discontinued by a relevant authority, including the Crown Prosecution Service, a person affected by the alleged crime shall be entitled to request a review of that decision and shall have the rationale for such decision explained to them.

Treatment of Victims of Crime in Court Proceedings

(5.) During criminal justice proceedings, the relevant criminal justice agencies must ensure that victims of crime-

(a.) are not subjected to unnecessary delay by any other party to the proceedings;

(b.) are treated with respect and dignity by all parties involved; and

(c.) do not experience discriminatory behavior from any other party to the proceedings.

(6.) Children and vulnerable people must be able to give evidence to a court from a location away from that court or from behind a protective screen.

(7.) The investigating police force concerned must ensure the safety and protection of victims of crime during proceedings, including but not limited to-

(a.) a presumption that victims of crime may remain domiciled at their home with police protection if necessary and feasible; and

(b.) ensuring the victim and those accompanying them are provided with access to discreet waiting areas during relevant proceedings.

Representation

(8.) All victims of crime shall have access to an appropriate point of contact to liaise with relevant criminal justice agencies on their behalf and help inform and explain the progress, outcomes, and impacts of their case.

(9.) Children or those who need assistance shall have access to a trained expert to help them understand what is happening in proceedings as necessary.

(10.) Victims must have access to any relevant civil or criminal proceedings where possible and must have the right to provide their account of the crime as part of such proceedings, whether in person or through other means. This shall include, but not be limited to, the ability to provide a statement to a court as part of sentencing.

Disclosure

(12.) Relevant criminal justice agencies shall ensure that personal data of a victim is not disclosed where such disclosure may put the victim at risk of harm.

(13.) Victims of crime shall have access to transcripts of any relevant legal proceedings at no cost.

(14.) Information about any crime committed against a victim for which a person on trial in a case involving that victim has been found guilty must be disclosed to the court in relevant proceedings.

Compensation and Costs

(15.) The Secretary of State must take steps to ensure that victims of crime-

(a.) have access to financial compensation from public funds for any detriment arising from the criminal case concerned through the VCF;

(b.) are supported through the application process for compensation from public funds through the VCF with the adequate provision of all necessary information and contacts;

(c.) are made aware of their rights for query or appeal if they believe any compensation they receive through the VCF to be inadequate;


(d.) have restored to them any property or personal belongings that have been seized for use as evidence during criminal proceedings, in a condition similar to that in which the property or belongings were seized;

(e.) are given the right to approve or refuse the payment of any compensation order made by a court against a person convicted of a crime against them inasmuch as such compensation is related to the crime that targeted the specific victim;

(f.) have reimbursed to them any expenses incurred in their attendance in court or related legal proceedings, whether in the UK or overseas; and

(g.) access to legal advice at no cost throughout the legal process.

(16.) The Secretary of State shall ensure-

(a.) that criteria for the awarding of compensation is made available to those seeking compensation from the VCF; and

(b.) that the criteria used by the VCF to determine the awarding of compensation to applicants is routinely reviewed and updated to ensure it is best serving the objectives of the VCF in supporting victims.

Training

(17.) The Secretary of State shall ensure-

(a.) that judges, barristers and solicitors involved in criminal cases, those working within the VRB, VCF, all other relevant criminal justice agencies and any other government agencies that may come into contact with victims have specialist training on the impact of crime on victims as well as victims rights. Such training shall include specialised training on the impact of sexual and domestic violence; and

(b.) that judges, barristers and solicitors involved in criminal cases, those working within the VRB, VCF, all other relevant criminal justice agencies and any other government agencies that may come into direct contact with victims through the criminal justice process, either via in-person meetings or by forms of correspondence, have specialist training on how to best approach, interact and work with victims throughout the duration of the criminal justice process.



Schedule 2. Additional Compensation Categories for Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

Acceptable Expenses

(1.) The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme shall include compensation for the following acceptable expenses related to injuries from a crime to a victim or to a victim’s next of kin or authorised close acquaintance. Such expenses include-

(a.) mental health services where it is determined that publicly-available services are insufficient or unavailable in the victim’s area;

(b.) funeral-related expenses for the victim of a crime that resulted in death, to be payable to the next of kin or an authorised close acquaintance;

(c.) compensation for crimes that do not result in injuries already covered by the Scheme including sexual assault or rape; and

(d.) loss of property that was the direct result of a crime and where compensation is not covered by insurance or other reimbursement or compensation programs.

Eligibility

(2.) Compensation from the Scheme shall not be reduced or denied because the recipient or victim was convicted of a crime, so long as that conviction is not related to the crime that is being compensated for.

Source of Funds

(3.) The VCF shall be used to pay for compensation under the Scheme where funds are available; else any expenses shall be paid out of money from Parliament under the terms of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995.
Link to legislation in Google Docs (READ-ONLY): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUJ ... sp=sharing

((edited to include the amendments from the Shadow Home Secretary))
Last edited by Andy Edwards on Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Elizabeth Tanner »

Margaret Beckett, Leader of the House

Madam Speaker, I beg this bill be moved to second reading.
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Barclay A.A. Stanley »

BB: Order! Second reading!
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Dame Evelyn Redgrave »

Madam Speaker,

I rise today to offer support for the government’s efforts to establish a framework for the rights of victims of crime, to provide for enforcement of these rights and to address the need for training of staff working within criminal justice regarding the impact of crime on victims.

As anyone who works within criminal justice will tell you, the impact of crime does not end with a conviction. For victims of crime, the impact of the offence perpetrated upon them will often last far beyond the conclusion of a court case, affecting anything from their physical and mental health through to their economic security and sense of personal safety. It is far more often than not such a devastating, long-lasting effect and it will certainly be at its most pronounced during the period when the victim is involved in the processes of the criminal justice system.

Therefore, we welcome the bill introduced by the Home Secretary today. It is right that we ensure victims are provided with timely and accurate information from relevant agencies, are notified of all proceedings related to the perpetrator and have ease of access to direct contact details for all agencies and individuals within the criminal justice system involved in proceedings. Sadly, there are victims who remain at risk during judicial proceedings, either through domestic violence or ongoing abuse, and therefore we welcome the provisions within this legislation to provide protection for them during the criminal justice process and also to ensure that victims do not need to fear coming face to face with those who stand accused in court.

As a former teacher myself, I have seen first hand the impact that such horrors can have on young people and therefore we also support the requirement for young witnesses to have registered intermediaries, as well as for victims to have the right to a case companion. Finally, the establishment of the independent Victims Rights Board is a welcome move that will ensure protection and enforcement of these rights so that they can be properly held as established.

In reviewing this legislation, however, the Opposition would also like to submit some amendments focused around training, compensation support and the responsibilities of the Victims Rights Board. To be clear, as I have mentioned in my remarks thus far, we believe the Government has developed commendable, much-needed legislation with this bill but we believe that our amendments will either ensure further clarity or make clear the requirements of agencies or individuals involved.

So, I move the following amendments to be added into the bill or to amend existing language, should the government accept them:
Section 2. Enforcement Through Regulatory Body
(d.) The VRB shall, in cooperation with the Secretary of State and with other relevant and interested stakeholders, provide an annual report on its progress in developing and maintaining quality standards for the provision of victims services and on any changes or additions to the rights laid out in this legislation. The report must be submitted to the Secretary of State and any relevant and interested stakeholders every 12 months and the results of such a report must be made publicly accessible.

Schedule 1. Victims’ Bill of Rights
Compensation and Costs
(15.) The Secretary of State must take steps to ensure that victims of crime-
(b.) are supported through the application process for compensation from public funds through the VCF with the adequate provision of all necessary information and contacts;
(c.) are made aware of their rights for query or appeal if they believe any compensation they receive through the VCF to be inadequate;

(16.) The Secretary of State shall ensure-
(a.) that criteria for the awarding of compensation is made available to those seeking compensation from the VCF;
(b.) that the criteria used by the VCF to determine the awarding of compensation to applicants is routinely reviewed and updated to ensure it is best serving the objectives of the VCF in supporting victims;

Training
(17.) The Secretary of State shall ensure-
(a.) that judges, barristers and solicitors involved in criminal cases, those working within the VRB, VCF, all other relevant criminal justice agencies and any other government agencies that may come into contact with victims have specialist training on the impact of crime on victims as well as victims rights. Such training shall include specialised training on the impact of sexual and domestic violence.
(b.) that judges, barristers and solicitors involved in criminal cases, those working within the VRB, VCF, all other relevant criminal justice agencies and any other government agencies that may come into direct contact with victims through the criminal justice process, either via in-person meetings or by forms of correspondence, have specialist training on how to best approach, interact and work with victims throughout the duration of the criminal justice process.

(OOC: To note, the numbering and lettering for the above amendments have been ordered based on how they'd be in an updated bill. Therefore, existing, unamended clauses, e.g. Schedule 1. (15.) (b.) for ‘have restored to them any property or personal belongings that have been seized for use as evidence during criminal proceedings, in a condition similar to that in which the property or belongings were seized;’ would subsequently be considered as Schedule 1. (15.) (d.) and so forth, given the addition of new amendments for (b.) and (c.) as an example - p.s. forgive my anal organising nature lol)
To summarise these amendments, we firstly believe there should be a clear requirement from the start that the VRB should provide an annual report to the Secretary of State and any relevant and interested stakeholders every 12 months which would also be made publicly available, focusing on their progress in developing and maintaining quality standards for the provision of victims services and on any changes or additions to the rights laid out in this legislation. For the enforcement of such rights, as the VRB will do, we must also ensure that the VRB is clear on the progress of its work. There has been allusion that the Secretary of State will make further provision on the appointment, responsibilities and accountability of the VRB via Section 2, Point H but, as with the existing establishment of the VRB’s responsibilities via Points D to G of Section 2, we wanted to establish clearly from the start a requirement to report on progress in the interest of accountability.

Secondly, we propose to ensure measures that improve the experience of victims when it comes to the process of seeking compensation from the Government. The Secretary of State will be required to take steps that ensure victims are supported through the application process to the VCF with adequate provision of all necessary information and contacts, as well as being made aware of their rights for query or appeal if they believe any compensation received through the VCF to be inadequate. Additionally, the Secretary of State shall take steps to ensure that criteria for the awarding of compensation are made available to those seeking it, in the interest of helping ease the process for victims, whilst ensuring that the criteria for the awarding of compensation by the VCF are routinely reviewed and updated to ensure it is best serving the objectives of the VCF in supporting victims. We’ve heard many cases in the media, from recently and indeed years past, where compensation payouts have been reduced to lower amounts or not even paid at all due to unclear or unnecessarily strict criteria. By ensuring that the VCF makes criteria available to applicants and that criteria are routinely reviewed to ensure it is best working for victims, we can look to resolve these issues.

Finally, we propose to make a distinction when it comes to the types of training received by key stakeholders within the criminal justice and victim support process, namely judges, barristers, solicitors, those working in relevant criminal justice agencies, those specifically working within the VRB and the VCF as well as any other government agencies who may be involved. We agree with the Government that it is crucial for such personnel to receive specialist training on the impact of crime on victims, victims rights and the impact of sexual and domestic violence. When it comes to training, we suggest a distinction be made between education for personnel about the aforementioned topics and specialist training regarding how best to approach, interact and work with victims through the duration of the criminal justice process. By receiving knowledge and understanding of victims rights, sexual and domestic violence and the impact of crime on victims, through specialist training, as well as how to work with victims through specialist training, we can make sure that any figure within the criminal justice system who may come into contact with a victim is fully prepared to understand them and their needs.

In conclusion, and as I said to the Home Secretary during our recent Question Time session, there are serious issues where we must work across party lines in the interest of those who need urgent help. It is our belief on this side of the House that these three amendments will help regarding training, the compensation process and the responsibilities of the VRB. I invite the Government to adopt these amendments but I welcome any feedback or further discussion from the Home Secretary on these as well, given it is vital that we work together to ensure this legislation is as effective as it can be.
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Andy Edwards »

Madam Speaker,

I am happy to accept the amendments proposed by the Right Honourable Member for South West Hertfordshire as friendly. They are completely consistent with the aims of the legislation and I would agree that they support and strengthen the aim that the Government has taken this first step on: ensuring that we have a system that is adequate when it comes to protecting basic, unquestionable rights of victims of crime.

Having individuals trained on the importance of treating victims with respect and kindness, having basic and understood rights, and having an accountable and transparent system to protect the rights we set up is precisely the goal of this legislation and I am pleased to see that I was not incorrect in saying that this is legislation that should meet with cross-party support.
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Rebecca Flair »

Madam Speaker,

I rise in this debate to offer the Government and the Opposition mine and my party's unqualified support for this legislation, in many instances of criminal justice we forget about the victims of crime and move straight onto the punishment of the criminal, this is wrong and I thank both the Home Secretary and his Shadow for working in a constructive way to provide victims of crime with more rights. That being said I am concerned to some degree about the expense to the taxpayer of us footing the bill for unpaid fines as a result of crime, I fear that without joined up thinking across legislation this may result in many people getting the state to pay off their fines for them. Will the Minister commit to reviewing this part of the legislation once it is in force to ensure that it is getting good value for money and to ensure that those liable for a fine are repaying money that is being paid by the taxpayer to cover their arrears should it be necessary to? It is essential that those with a debt to society do not pay that debt with another debt to, this time to the taxpayer, and I hope that this can be grounds for common sense cross-party cooperation.
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Andy Edwards »

Madam Speaker,

I thank the Member for Gordon for an incredibly valuable corner case that allows for further explanation of this legislation as well as of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme more broadly. In the Scheme as it operates now, payments are reduced if there are outstanding fines depending on the value of the fine and the time since it was assessed. A victim who has suffered severe mental trauma or physical injury would see their award reduced by 25% if they have had a court assess a fine of £250 or more in the two years preceding the date in which they became a victim- on top of any other reasons that might be there to reduce or even deny payment

This is far more onerous than it needs to be. Someone who has suffered greatly and may be facing a loss of income for years due to an injury that was no fault of their own should not see their payments reduced by such a significant sum for a fine assessed against them- even if that fine was paid off. It's against the principles of fair compensation that victims should be entitled to if we are to say "well, this is fair... but for..." when they have been injured or even when someone close to them has been killed. And I do emphasize the "no fault of their own" because for those who instigated an action that resulted in a crime, compensation is reduced or can even be denied to prevent anyone who would seek to take advantage of this compensation by trying to stage an incident. But the reduction of that onerous punishment for previous fines, that qualified fairness and qualified compassion, is precisely why the language is there in Schedule 2: to make it so that if you suffer and there is real, lasting harm and damage, you are compensated if the criminals are not caught or otherwise made to pay restitution.

I can say we will review and implement the Scheme- as we and previous Governments have- with the goal of ensuring best value to the ratepayer while also ensuring that we are compassionate. We cannot rely solely on one criterion or the other. This system is designed to address both concepts and as Home Secretary I can affirm that it will continue to take account of both criteria: avoid waste or abuse while also ensure we are actually supporting victims of crime that deserve it.

But to the case offered by the Member for Gordon; I would seek further clarification from her on this case. If we have a hypothetical victim of a crime who is injured mentally or physically or has seen their home destroyed, does the Member mean to suggest that if there is an outstanding traffic ticket that they should be denied compensation entirely unless and until that fine is paid- even if they don't have the financial capability at the time to pay the fine? Or is the suggestion that the compensation be reduced by the value of that fine?
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Rebecca Flair »

Madam Speaker I fear that wires have been crossed here so I will clarify for the Minister.

As I understand it the compensation scheme provided by this Government will pay compensation from the taxpayer to the victim of crime, this I believe to be a positive step to ensure that the victim of crime is well compensated where the perpetrator of the crime cannot afford to pay the proper compensation. While I find the speeding fine point interesting it is not relevant to my particular question because I wish to focus on the means of the criminal pay compensation. Does the Right Honourable Gentleman agree with me that in cases where the individual who committed the offence is able to pay compensation, through the victim surcharge and other means, they should do so and where they cannot will he commit to undertaking a review of means at the disposal of the State to ensure that should the individual be able to pay compensation in part or in full they would begin to pay back the taxpayer?
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Andy Edwards »

Madam Speaker,

I understand the clarification and thank the Member for Gordon for the clarification. Not only does the Right Honourable Gentleman agree, that is how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme works now. Where a convicted person has the ability and is ordered to pay restitution, that amount would be subtracted from the overall award from the Scheme; it only covers payments when there is no compensation from a convicted person, such as when no perpetrator of a crime has been found. Any fines assessed on a convicted person, before or after the payment from the Scheme, would naturally go to the consolidated fund- and now into the VCF as established by this legislation.

As I understand it now, the Member is also asking if there would be additional attempts to collect payment from a convicted person if they have the inability to pay. I can say that is something we will look into following the passage of this legislation and that we will do so in a way that again balances compassion with the best value for money to ensure the fund used for compensating victims is kept as full as is possible.
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Re: Victims (Bill of Rights) Act

Post by Barclay A.A. Stanley »

BB: ORDER! Division, clear the lobbies.
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