The latest Quarterly Fines Report 45 is published today by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service and shows that the three-year collection rates for fines remain steady. This is the first report that includes figures through a full quarter affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
The new report shows that the value of Sheriff Court fines imposed during the three-year period between 2016/17 and 2018/19, and now either paid or on track to be paid as at 20 July 2020, is 91%. This is unchanged from the previous quarter’s figure.
Fines collection continues within the restrictions that have arisen from the Coronavirus crisis. However, the effects of the virus crisis mean that individuals face the very real risk of suffering significant financial hardship at this time and in recognition of this, SCTS has continued to focus on measures that enable Fines Enforcement Officers to provide information, advice and support to customers who are struggling to maintain their payments.
We have introduced an online form to simplify the process for customers to seek new payment terms and we have also introduced a dedicated helpline for fines payers on 0300 790 0014. Customers can still pay their fines by post or by using our 24/7 online and telephone payment channels. Liability to pay fines remains and failure to engage with fines officers will result in enforcement action being taken.
Further analysis of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on fines collection will be undertaken in Quarterly Fines Report 46 which is due to be published in November.
The 45th report released today includes information about the collection of the new Victim Surcharge penalty introduced by the Scottish Government at the end of 2019 on fines relating to offences committed on or after 25 November 2019. The 2019-20 Q3-4 collection rate is 67% of the Victim Surcharge penalty value and 66% of the number of penalties as at 20 July 2020. This is an increase of 1 percentage point on both these rates as at 20 April 2020.
Commenting on QFR 45, Chief Operations Officer David Fraser said: “We recognise the impact that Coronavirus can have on fines payers and we are maintaining additional support, with information and advice, to take account of that. However, this does not mean that fines can be dodged. We will, in due course, 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.”
Fines Enforcement Units have a number of measures available to pursue non-payers. These include freezing bank accounts, arresting earnings, clamping vehicles or obtaining arrest warrants.
In all cases, offenders have opportunities to make payment of their fines at a reasonable and affordable instalment rate. All defaulters are issued warnings before action is taken. Those in genuine financial difficulty can engage with enforcement officers to discuss payment terms.
Most fines can be paid round the clock on our secure website at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/payyourfine or using our automated telephone payment system by phoning 0300 790 0003. Only fines which involve the endorsement of a driving record cannot be paid electronically at the moment. For those penalties that cannot be paid using the online or telephone payment systems, customers can post payments to Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Central Processing Unit, PO Box 23, Glasgow, G59 9DA.
Notes
• Fine defaulters are not named for data protection reasons.
• A copy of the most recent SCTS Quarterly Fines Report is available at: http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/official-statistics
• Many fines are paid by instalments over the course of two or more years which will affect collection rate figures.
• Warrants can be granted by the Judiciary following a referral by a Fines Enforcement Officer.
• Information on how to pay fines can be found on our website at: http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/taking-action/pay-a-fine