Martin Partington: Spotlight on the Justice System

From 1 October 2012 the Victim Surcharge was increased and extended to force more criminals to pay towards supporting victims of crime. The money raised supports local organisations that support victims at their most vulnerable.

Adults convicted of an offence committed on or after 1 October 2012 will have to pay the Surcharge at the new rate – 10% of any fine (max £120, min £20), conditional discharge (£15), community (£60) or custodial sentence (£80, £100 or £120 depending on length of sentence).

This is estimated to mean that offenders will provide up to £50 million more each year for victims services or organisations. This is on top of the £66 million already provided by central Government to victims’ services each year.