CICA Scheme is to be overhauled. Criminals will only be able to claim compensation for being victims of crime in "exceptional circumstances", under proposals by the justice secretary, Mr Ken Clarke. This if after the annual costs of the taxpayer funded scheme trebled to nearly £300m since 1997.
The proposed reforms include:
1. Criminals to contribute more towards the scheme. Payment of "victim surcharges" by more offenders, and higher fines for driving offences, will it is hoped raise £50m for victims.
2.To stop criminals claiming for injuries and psychological damage.
3. Claims for minor injuries under the scheme for people in England, Wales and Scotland would also be restricted under the plans.
4. A person with a criminal record will only be able to claim compensation in exceptional circumstances. This could include, for example, a minor offender who is very seriously injured or a criminal who prevents someone else being attacked.
Over the past decade, 20,000 people with criminal records have been paid more than £75m, including a rapist and a person convicted of two killings.
