Attacked officers’ cash plan in limbo

A scheme to force criminals to pay for the care of assaulted police officers has failed to collect any money – five years after it was put into law by MSPS. The plan was for anyone convicted of attacking a frontline officer to contribute to police welfare charities through a restitution order of up to £10,000.

But SNP ministers yesterday admitted they have not yet enacted the part of the legislation needed to set up the fund. Meanwhile, a Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) to force criminals to make compensation payments to their victims, such as paying for replacing locks or other damage to their homes, is also running five years late.

The scheme would see offenders pay a surcharge when appearing in court, which would then be available to victims, and it had been hoped it would raise about £1 million a year.

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Liam Mcarthur MSP said: “It’s unbelievable that almost five years on these flagship features of the Victims and Witnesses Act have not been implemented and, even worse, there doesn’t even appear to be a clear plan to do so.” Responding to a written question by the Lib Dems, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Establishment of the VSF has taken longer than anticipated as we’ve undertaken detailed consideration and consultation with partners on the most effective mechanisms. “In the meantime, we are providing £17.9m in 2018/19, to third sector organisations whose work supports victims of crime. This includes more than £4.6m to Victim Support Scotland.”