HC Deb 01 May 1995 vol 259 c92W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in re-assessing compensation for criminal injuries how long he expects average delays to be for people who were made awards under the tariff scheme. [21271]

Mr. Maclean

Victims who received an award under the tariff scheme will keep that award. Where any reassessed award is higher than the tariff award they will be paid the balance. If the reassessed award is lower, they will not be required to refund the difference.

I understand the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board is giving urgent attention to the reassessment of awards made under the tariff scheme. Since, in many cases, additional inquiries will need to be made into such matters as loss of earnings and receipt of social security benefits, it is likely to take several months for this process to be completed.