30/09/2025
Long Axes 'Saved Living Expenses' Deduction
Compensation payments for people who have been subject to a miscarriage of justice will no longer have deductions made for 'saved living expenses'.
Minister Long announced the change: "I have updated the guidance governing the award of compensation for miscarriages of justice with immediate effect, to ensure that deductions for saved living expenses are removed from the assessment of compensation."
The Minister confirmed that this amendment will apply to new applications only and brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.
Previously, an independent assessor could make a deduction from compensation for loss of past earnings based on "saved living expenses," such as rent or mortgage payments that were not incurred while the individual was in prison.
The miscarriage of justice compensation scheme is designed to help individuals rebuild their lives. The award typically falls into two parts: compensation for the impact of the wrongful conviction, including damage to health, and compensation for the loss of past or future earnings.
The maximum amount of compensation payable under the scheme is £1 million for 10 or more years of imprisonment or £500,000 for up to 10 years.
Minister Long announced the change: "I have updated the guidance governing the award of compensation for miscarriages of justice with immediate effect, to ensure that deductions for saved living expenses are removed from the assessment of compensation."
The Minister confirmed that this amendment will apply to new applications only and brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.
The miscarriage of justice compensation scheme is designed to help individuals rebuild their lives. The award typically falls into two parts: compensation for the impact of the wrongful conviction, including damage to health, and compensation for the loss of past or future earnings.
The maximum amount of compensation payable under the scheme is £1 million for 10 or more years of imprisonment or £500,000 for up to 10 years.
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Investment In 'Fit For Purpose' Prison Estate Urgent Needed
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.