Criminal injuries compensation review
Deputy Joan Collins sought an update on reform of the criminal injuries compensation tribunal scheme, citing gaps such as domestic abuse cases and long delays. The Minister for Justice said he could not guarantee it would be dealt with before the summer recess but would engage bilaterally.
Is there any update on the review of legislation to reform or replace the current criminal injuries compensation tribunal scheme? It appears that there are real issues with the scheme, as it stands, not least with the fact that victims of domestic abuse are not covered and the current excessive waiting times for decisions. A man in my area was brutally beaten up 14 years ago on coming out of The George on George's Street because of his sexuality. He developed neurological problems and has been waiting 13 years for compensation, despite the fact that the solicitor has given all of the information the tribunal needs. It is not acceptable.
