Changes made to crime victim compensation

Reforms that will overhaul a compensation scheme for victims of crime will come into force by the end of November after being approved by MPs. Despite opposition to controversial changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme by Labour, a majority of MPs voted in favour of reform.

Following the vote, unions said the decision means teachers and shop, rail and postal workers injured in incidents will receive lower compensation payments. Changes to the scheme will come into effect on November 27. Usdaw, the shopworkers’ union, said the “vast majority” of victims of violent crime will learn they are not eligible for any compensation at all, or receive less money than previously.

John Hannett, general secretary of Usdaw, said:

“The decision of Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs to support these cuts means that many injured victims of crime are going to suffer financially as well as physically.”

Mr Hannett also urged people to who have been injured in the course of serious crime to submit an application for compensation before November 26.

The CICA website contains further detail on what you can claim for.

If you want to enquire about making a claim for an injury, please contact a member of our team on 01895 207 835 or 01895 207 295. Alternatively, you can send an email with your name and contact information and brief details as to the nature of the accident/clinical negligence and the injuries sustained to PI@ibblaw.co.uk and one of our team will be able to help you.