VICTIMS OF CRIME!

Paul Hamp

Even though the Criminal Injuries and Compensation Authority received a damning report eight years ago, victims of crime are now facing even longer delays because of failings and bureaucracy in the administration system! (Victims of crime)

A report by the Public Accounts Committee criticises the Ministry of Justice for giving the agency a "low priority" despite its claims to put victims at the "heart" of the criminal justice system.

Less than 5 per cent of those eligible for payouts were even applying and those who did apply were hampered by a complex application form and bureaucratic delays.

The time taken to resolve the average complaint rose from one year to 17 months, despite applications falling 23 per cent and although staff productivity had fallen the costs of administering the scheme rose by £6 million!

labelling the CICA a "useless authority," committee chairman Edward Leigh said: "The Ministry of Justice's declared objective is to place victims at the heart of the criminal justice system. If the scheme for compensating victims of violent crime is anything to go by, that objective is a long way from fulfilment!"

"Up to 20 per cent of people employ solicitors but this service is supposed to be free. Bearing in mind, these people have been traumatised by violent crime - they can receive up to £250,000 but they are getting nothing!"

"I suppose that somebody at the Treasury doesn't mind very much, because the money just stays in the public sector and it can be spent on other things"!

And victims like Paul Hamp get nothing, and the excuse they use is that he "contributed" to his injuries by trying to defend himself!

Or the parents refused any compensation because the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority claimed their son, Ryan Daly had started the incident which led to his murder by Iain Sellers!

So while government ministers talk about putting victims at the "heart of the criminal justice system" that same lying government does its utmost to ensure the very last thing they ever receive is justice - or compensation!

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