Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent discussions he has had on ensuring that victims of crime are adequately compensated.

The Justice Secretary and Home Secretary have regular discussions about a range of matters concerning the criminal justice system which includes the impact of crime on victims.

Compensation orders are available to the courts to require an offender to compensate a victim for personal injury, loss or damage. This Government has strengthened the regime by obliging courts to consider making a compensation order in appropriate cases, and lifting the £5,000 cap on compensation awards in the magistrates’ court.

In September 2014 the Justice Secretary announced the Government’s Commitment to Victims, which includes developing plans and consulting, by December 2014, on options for paying compensation to victims up front to prevent compensation arriving months or years after imposition as and when the offender is able to pay.

Victims of crimes of violence may be eligible for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.