A fund to help victims of crime will be open to applications for
the fifth time tomorrow (1 August).
Organisations that support victims of crime will be able to bid
for a share of more than £940,000 in the Victim Surcharge Fund to
provide direct, practical help to victims.
Since its establishment in November 2019, 14 organisations have
been awarded over £1.3 million from the fund which is financed by
penalties imposed on offenders who receive a court fine.
The Victim Surcharge Fund annual report, which was published
today details that £477,451 was paid to nine organisations in
2023-24.
Justice Secretary said: “Our priority is
putting the rights of the victim and their needs at the heart of
the criminal justice system. It is only right that criminals
should pay towards helping victims of crime recover from their
experience
“Too many people face financial hardship as a result of crime and
this funding can help meet the costs of essential items including
property repairs and installing alarms.
“The awards will also enhance the valuable work carried out
by victim support organisations.”
Background
The victim surcharge came into force in November 2019 and applies
to those who commit an offence and are subsequently convicted and
receive a court fine.
To date, the Victim Surcharge Fund has provided support to over
5,000 people with fourteen organisations sharing £1,322,437.
Victim's organisations interested in applying to the fund can
request an application form by emailing VictimSurchargefund@gov.scot
and should apply by 12 September.
To date, the Victim Surcharge Fund has provided support to over
5,000 people with fourteen organisations sharing £1,322,437.
Latest annual report
