On 27 July 2026, the amended Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme was published. The Scheme has reintroduced compensation for pain and suffering, marking an important step in recognising the impact that violent crime has on victims and their families.
The change restores an important element of the Scheme, acknowledging that the consequences of violent crime extend beyond financial loss and can have profound physical, psychological, and emotional effects.
While this represents a significant milestone, further reforms to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are needed, and this is only the first step in creating a scheme that is fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of victims and their families.
We would like to acknowledge and thank Ruth Maxwell, CICT Consultant & Victims’ Representative for her continued advocacy and engagement in helping to bring about these important changes. Progress such as this is only possible through sustained commitment and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to work towards a compensation system that better serves victims of crime.