Criminal Justice Act 2003

Mr. Clegg
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what he intends the surcharge provided for in sections 161A and 161B of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to be used for.

John Reid
In a full year it is expected that the surcharge on fines will raise £16 million.

Money from the surcharge will be spent on a range of services for victims of crime and witnesses. These include £3 million for witness care units, £3 million for independent domestic violence advisers, and £1.25 million for services to victims of sexual violence through the Victims' Fund. Details of how the rest of the money will be used in support of victims and witnesses will be announced in due course.