Scottish government announces £30m fund for victims

Keith Brown

The fund forms a central plank of the Scottish government’s commitment to “putting victims at the heart of the justice system”.

The fund will open for applications from third sector organisations, community interest companies and public sector bodies, including local authorities, later this month. Organisations considering applying to the fund are able to register their interest now.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown, who has made no comment on the defence profession’s concerns around a balanced justice system, said: “This new streamlined fund will provide joined-up, accessible support to all victims regardless of where they live in Scotland.

“We want people to feel safer, better informed and have an improved experience of the justice system which is why – along with this new fund – we have committed in our Programme for Government to appointing a Victims’ Commissioner to provide an independent voice for victims in Scotland.

“We will also review the Victim Notification Scheme to ensure victims are able to receive timely and compassionate information on the release of offenders, and provide more opportunities for victims to tell courts how crime has personally impacted on them.

“Putting victims at the heart of the justice system is a key priority for this government. This new fund underlines that commitment and will ensure those with experience of crime are fully engaged with and supported on their journey to recovery.”