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07/05/2004
Minister hails improved fines enforcement success
Courts Minister Christopher Leslie has announced that improved enforcement in relation to unpaid fines has brought in £13.4 million.
Following significant improvements in fines enforcement during 2003/04, an extra £13.4 million has been paid against what was forecast at the end of June.
In addition, magistrates' courts exceeded the 75% fines collection target, achieving a 76% collection rate over the final quarter of last year.
A tough fines enforcement regime announced last summer by the Government promised a crackdown on fine defaulters, but the Minister has increased the national fines collection target to 78%.
Describing the figures as "good news", Mr Leslie said: "This is a success story which cuts across the public and private sectors and involves the expertise and co-operation of many agencies within the Criminal Justice System.
"Government has provided the policy and legislative framework to pursue fine defaulters, magistrates use the increased powers given to them to crack down on debtors, and bailiffs work closely with local police to enforce warrants.
"This level of teamwork and commitment to achieve the same outcome means more victims will be compensated and the taxpayer will receive a significant financial boost."
According to Government figures, in 2003/04 £290 million in financial penalties was imposed and, of that, £213 million was collected. This is £13.4m higher than expected for first three months of the year.
The payment rate at the end of the first quarter stood at 69% but by the end of fourth quarter had increased to 76%.
However, as of February 2004, £350 million worth of fines was outstanding in England and Wales.
(SP)
Following significant improvements in fines enforcement during 2003/04, an extra £13.4 million has been paid against what was forecast at the end of June.
In addition, magistrates' courts exceeded the 75% fines collection target, achieving a 76% collection rate over the final quarter of last year.
A tough fines enforcement regime announced last summer by the Government promised a crackdown on fine defaulters, but the Minister has increased the national fines collection target to 78%.
Describing the figures as "good news", Mr Leslie said: "This is a success story which cuts across the public and private sectors and involves the expertise and co-operation of many agencies within the Criminal Justice System.
"Government has provided the policy and legislative framework to pursue fine defaulters, magistrates use the increased powers given to them to crack down on debtors, and bailiffs work closely with local police to enforce warrants.
"This level of teamwork and commitment to achieve the same outcome means more victims will be compensated and the taxpayer will receive a significant financial boost."
According to Government figures, in 2003/04 £290 million in financial penalties was imposed and, of that, £213 million was collected. This is £13.4m higher than expected for first three months of the year.
The payment rate at the end of the first quarter stood at 69% but by the end of fourth quarter had increased to 76%.
However, as of February 2004, £350 million worth of fines was outstanding in England and Wales.
(SP)
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