It was announced yesterday the CICA are to look again at its rules for applying for compensation following the release of information which showed they had paid £75 million to people who had criminal records. This includes compensation to those currently in the prison system.

Under the current system the CICA can withhold or reduce an award for compensation where the applicant has unspent criminal convictions. If the applicant has spent convictions they use a points system to assess how much compensation should be awarded.

The proposed reforms would see those who have spent convictions not be able to apply through the CICA for compensation. There is time to apply though – before the reforms come in .

Don’t delay - If you have been the victim of a violent crime in the past two years - even if you have been convicted of a crimninal offence - call Vicky Price our CICA specialist for our advice on 0161 615 5554. All calls are confidential.