26 April 2004 - Fine dodgers to face tough benefit deductions to pay their court fines
Fine dodgers will face a tougher regime of weekly deductions from their benefits from next April, it was announced today.
Offenders convicted of theft and other crimes who fail to pay court fines will have the amount automatically taken from their Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Pension Credit increased from £2.80 to £5 a week.
Work and Pensions Minister Chris Pond said: “The public must have confidence that fines are an effective penalty and a credible alternative to prison.
“This increase is aimed at those who either refuse to pay their fines or choose to have it deducted from their benefits.
“This action by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Constitutional Affairs will help us collect fines and ensure that the punishment is tough enough to be an effective deterrent to crime.
“Right to benefits must be matched by responsibilities. Victims of crime expect justice to be seen to be done and the cash repayment is often too low to effectively enforce penalties imposed by the court. The repayment period can be far too drawn out, leaving many feeling the punishment is inadequate.
“It is important that we send out a signal, working in partnership with the DCA, that fines are not a soft option. People on state benefits must face the consequences of their crimes like anybody else and pay for them in a way the public demands.”
Courts Minister Christopher Leslie said: "I want fine defaulters and the community generally to know that we take non payment of criminal fines very seriously.
“Court decisions must not be flouted and, when they are, we will vigorously pursue offenders and ensure that justice is done.
"Crimes cannot go unpunished. Victims must be compensated and the general community must be compensated."
For more information contact John Fennessy on 020 7238 0762
Press office: 020 7238 0866
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk