Victim Surcharge Hiked by 5% to Boost Support Services
Ministers have announced a 5% rise in the Victim Surcharge, a court-imposed charge on offenders. The extra cash, projected at up to £2 million annually, will fund crucial victim support services like rape crisis centres and the National Homicide Service.
Offenders Pay More to Help Victims
Justice Minister Alex Chalk said, “It is right that offenders should do more to repair the harm caused by their crimes. That is why we are raising the surcharge and will consult on further increases to ensure criminals take greater responsibility for the cost of supporting victims.”
Currently, adults and organisations pay between £21 and £181 depending on their sentence. The new maximum will be £190, meaning offenders could pay up to £9 more.
Part of Bigger Push to Strengthen Victims’ Rights
- The rise follows a pledge to increase the surcharge by 25% in a future consultation on a new Victims’ Law.
- The surcharge is not a fine but a mandatory fee to help cover victim support costs.
- Funds go to Police and Crime Commissioners who run local victim services, plus national bodies like the Court Based Witness Service.
The increase will kick in for offences committed on or after 14 April through a Statutory Instrument. Experts estimate if a 25% hike is introduced later, it could raise an extra £7 million yearly for vital victim support.
