The government is to cut compensation to victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, set up to pay compensation where it is not available by other means, will mean no more awards between £1,000 and £2,000 for minor injuries. This will affect 90 per cent of the victims of violent crime, some 30,000 to 40,000 each year.
The Communication Workers Union warns this will affect many postal workers who are attacked by dogs and where, despite a successful prosecution, the dog owner is unable to pay compensation.
Shop workers’ union USDAW says many of its members injured in armed robberies and assaults will now themselves be robbed of any compensation. ■