CICA unspent convictions rule reform
The Chair and Panel recommend that the Ministry of Justice revises Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority rules, so that awards are not automatically rejected in circumstances where an applicant's criminal convictions are likely to be linked to their child sexual abuse. Each case should be considered on its merits.
- In May 2023, the government confirmed that changes to the CICA rules had been implemented (Government Response to IICSA Final Report, HM Government, May 2023).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Not Accepted
Response
Not AcceptedThe Government will consider how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme can better serve victims of violent crime including child sexual abuse. The terms of reference for the review have been published, which will examine whether the CICS remains fit for purpose. We will consult publicly on proposals in 2019.
The MoJ published the terms of reference of a review of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme on 18 December 2018. The review is examining whether the Scheme reflects the changing nature of violent crime and effectively supports victims. The review will report by the end of 2019, and there will be a public consultation on reform proposals later this year.
On 14 May 2021, the Ministry of Justice stated that, following its consultation on reform proposals for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, the UK government concluded that it did not propose any change to the existing rule on unspent convictions. It stated that individuals with unspent convictions that have resulted in community and custodial sentences should not be eligible for state-funded compensation, given the harm done to others and the cost to society of offending behaviour. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that it would publish a government response in due course.