Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) opens for new applications.
Organisations that support victims of crime can apply for a share
of more than £700,000 from a fund financed by penalties imposed
on offenders.
More than 5,000 people have benefited from the Victim Surcharge
Fund since it was set up in 2019, with over £2.4 million awarded
to 18 organisations.
Support for victims can include help with essentials like food
and clothing, repairs for property damaged as a result of crime,
and emotional support.
The fund has now opened for applications for the sixth time.
Victims Minister said:
“We know the impact of crime can be traumatic and it is
absolutely right that offenders should be made to pay towards
supporting victims. The additional support offered through the
Victim Surcharge Fund is vital and allows support organisations
to provide quick and practical help to victims and their
relatives, covering costs, for example of emergency
accommodation, food and clothing.
“Although recorded crime is down significantly over the long
term, I recognise that this is of little comfort for victims,
which is why we will continue to put their needs at the heart of
the criminal justice system. The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on
our wider support which includes a significant package of reform
proposed in the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill to
ensure those impacted by crime are treated with compassion and
their voices heard.”
Michelle Herd, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of
Abernecessites, which has received funds from the Victim
Surcharge Fund to support families fleeing domestic abuse said:
“Feedback from the professionals we work with highlights the
critical role of our service in preventing survivors from
returning to abusive situations and addressing their concerns for
their children's well-being.
“We have provided essentials such as clothing, school uniforms,
shoes, bedding, storage units along with beds, kitchen essentials
and white goods which were vital to enable families to move into
a safe property or make their place of refuge homely. Having the
basic essentials, even as simple as a child's favourite toy that
has been left behind can have a huge impact on the whole family.”
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. Such offenders are charged an additional
penalty – the victim surcharge. This is transferred to the
VSF and distributed to organisations to supplement and enhance
support for victims.
The sixth round of applications for the VSF is now open.
Organisations can request an application form by
emailing VictimSurchargefund@gov.scot and
should apply by 4 August 2025
Victim Surcharge Fund:
guidance - gov.scot
Recorded Crime in
Scotland, 2024-25 - gov.scot
Victim Surcharge Fund –
Annual Report – 2024-2025 - gov.scot
