Wrongly Convicted to Keep Full Compensation – No More Deductions!
Big win for justice reform! From now on, wrongly convicted people won’t have “saved living costs” snatched from their compensation payouts. The rule change was announced on Sunday, August 6, bringing relief to victims of miscarriages of justice.
Out with Old, Unfair Deductions
Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk kicked off the shake-up to make compensation fairer. Since 2006, those wrongly convicted faced cuts from their payouts for living expenses like rent or mortgage payments they didn’t have to pay while behind bars. Chalk slammed this as “unjust,” insisting victims deserve full compensation for their suffering.
Fair Pay for a Fresh Start
The compensation scheme aims to help exonerees rebuild their lives after wrongful imprisonment. To qualify, claimants must apply within two years of a pardon or reversal of their conviction on new evidence proving innocence beyond doubt.
An independent assessor decides the payout based on:
- Impact of the wrongful conviction
- Loss of past and future earnings
- Legal costs from their unjust detention
Before, compensation could be slashed due to “saved living expenses.” Now, those cuts are gone—claimants get their full payout without penalties.
Up to £1 Million at Stake
The maximum payout can hit a whopping £1 million for those jailed ten years or more. Those imprisoned for less can get up to £500,000. This latest change ensures payouts truly reflect the injustice suffered, without adding financial misery on top.
As Lord Chancellor Chalk put it: “Fairness is fundamental to justice. Victims of wrongful conviction must no longer pay for expenses they never incurred.”
