Crime victims' compensation scheme 'needs an overhaul'

CALLS have been made for a compensation scheme for victims of crime to be overhauled amid claims it is adding to distress for victims.

- 

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) was criticised for increasing waiting times for victims to get decisions over whether they would get compensation, with nearly a fifth of claimants waiting more than two years, according to its latest annual report.

Some have to wait more than five years.

Meanwhile, more than a third of the body's decisions that had been appealed against were overturned. The number of complaints has more than doubled.

The Ministry of Justice blames this on a record number of applications. A spokesperson said it was hiring more staff and attempting to improve communications.