All 1 Debates between Rosie Cooper and Helen Grant

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rosie Cooper and Helen Grant
Tuesday 13th November 2012

(11 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Helen Grant Portrait Mrs Grant
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Absolutely not. The aim is to provide proper compensation for those who have suffered serious criminal injuries. When the injuries are less serious, prompt, practical victim service provision will be provided, which is what victims say that they need. In addition to that, up to £50 million will be provided for victims from the victim surcharge.

Rosie Cooper Portrait Rosie Cooper
- Hansard - -

In the consultation on the cuts to the criminal injuries compensation scheme, the Ministry of Justice promised to protect payments to the most vulnerable and seriously injured victims of crime. Why, then, will the most severe cuts affecting compensation for loss of earnings fall on more than 1,000 of the most seriously injured victims of crime and on the dependants of murder victims? Have not the innocent victims of crime suffered enough?

Helen Grant Portrait Mrs Grant
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

We are of course concerned about all victims. The scheme provides some payment in recognition of loss of earnings, but it was never designed to compensate for a full lifetime’s loss of earnings. Eligible applicants will receive a clear, predictable sum that will supplement other amounts that they may receive from other sources, such as state benefits. Our changes to the scheme should also allow victims to receive payments in a much speedier manner.

--- Later in debate ---
Rosie Cooper Portrait Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

Will the Minister give an indication of the cut-off date for claims under the criminal injuries compensation scheme? Victims of crime and their representatives need to know that date. Will it be Friday 23 November? Will it be Monday 26 November?

Helen Grant Portrait Mrs Grant
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

It will be 27 November this year.