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Fines: Victim Support Schemes

Volume 460: debated on Monday 21 May 2007

To ask the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice what sanctions there are for use against members of the judiciary who decline to impose the surcharge on defendants ordered to pay a fine. (136784)

Under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Judicial Discipline (Prescribed Procedures) Regulations 2006, and the Complaints (Magistrates) Rules 2006, allegations of judicial misconduct may be investigated. After the prescribed procedures have been followed, the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice may be of the view that such conduct amounts to misconduct, and they may, in accordance with s108 of the Constitutional Reform Act, advise, warn, reprimand, suspend or remove the Judicial Office Holder from office.

To ask the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice what estimate she has made of the effect of the introduction of the victim surcharge on the fines collection rate. (137633)

It is estimated that there will be little or no impact on the fines collection rate following the introduction of the victims surcharge.