Fines collection rate returning towards pre-Covid levels

The three-year collection rates for all fine/penalty types show improvement for both value and number with the figures as of 19 April 2021 compared with 19 July 2021.

The three-year rate for Sheriff Court fines by value paid or on track to be paid, has risen to 90 per cent and the JP Court rate to 89 per cent, both up by one percentage point.

The rates for fiscal penalties and police fixed penalties by value paid or on track, have risen to 78 per cent (up two percentage points) and 82 per cent (up one point) respectively.

As at 19 July 2021, 83 per cent of the value of confiscation orders imposed between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2021 has been paid. For this same period, the number of confiscation orders fully paid is 84 per cent.

Figures on collection of the victim surcharge also show continuing progress with more than £190,800 now collected. This amounts to 78 per cent of the value of these penalties having been paid.

SCTS executive director of court operations David Fraser said: “These figures show reassuring progress in recovery from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic with continuing rises recorded in the report.

“We recognise the impact that Coronavirus can have on fines payers however, and we are maintaining additional support, with information and advice, to take account of that. The strong rates over time, evident in this report, show that our processes and systems are maintaining efficient collection.

“We will employ robust sanctions against offenders who we are satisfied have failed to pay without reasonable excuse. The message to fines customers remains clear – continue to pay your fines or seek advice if you are struggling. Doing nothing is not an option.

“I am pleased to introduce the latest enhancement to the Quarterly Fines Report in the provision of Confiscation Order statistics which will be of wide public interest and again underlines our commitment to openness and transparency around data.”