Prisoners pay back victims

Money deducted from prisoners’ pay packets to fund victim support services as part of a new Government scheme has raised £383,724 in its first six months, Justice Minister Crispin Blunt announced today.

Under the Prisoners' Earnings Act up to 40 per cent of the wages earned by low-risk prisoners who work outside of prison to prepare for their release go to national charity Victim Support.

This money is used to provide support such as professional counselling and enhancing home security – helping victims to recover from the trauma of crime.

Justice Minister, Crispin Blunt, said:

'For too long offenders have not done enough to shoulder the financial burden of their crimes, leaving the taxpayer to foot the bill for the damage they have caused.

'The Prisoners' Earnings Act is the start of Government getting the balance right – forcing prisoners to take responsibility for their crimes and helping victims to recover through the funding of these vital support services.'

The money has helped many people including an 80-year-old man who was robbed after collecting his pension from the Post Office. He was worried about his safety after his keys and wallet were taken and the fund paid for new locks for his home, a personal alarm and food vouchers.

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