Criminal Injuries Compensation Maximum Award āCapā
Compensation Cap Reaches 30th Anniversary without inflation increases
April 2026 sees the 30th anniversary of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in Great Britain without the maximum award for the most catastrophic injuries having been raised, even to take account of inflation.
In 1996 the then government introduced tariff-based schemes with an upper limit on the compensation that can be awarded in a cost saving exercise. This was in comparison with the earlier schemes where there were no limits. Innocent injured victims of crime whose lives had been changed beyond recognition could previously receive awards which would help them to cope with the consequences.
Since 1996 the Scheme maximum of Ā£500,000 has meant that survivors of catastrophic brain injury, spinal cord injury and those suffering serious damage to their mental health through abuse and sexual violence have to manage for the rest of their lives, sometimes for as long as 70 years on a limited amount to cope with their severe needs. Over that period, the increase would have been 103%, taking the award to Ā£1,016.892 according to the Bank of England inflation calculator.
The Human Impact of the Compensation Cap
Craig, now 50 and from North Wales, was assaulted in 2021 in an incident commonly referred to as āone punch syndrome.ā Following the attack, he reached out to the Brain Injury Group, who connected him with GLP Solicitors for specialist legal support. He sustained devastating injuries, including subarachnoid and subdural haemorrhages, as well as a left frontal intracranial bleed. As a result, he now requires 24/7 lifelong care. He is unable to feed himself, move independently, wash, dress, or manage his own medication, and he is also catheterised.
Alan, was 3 months old in 2015 when he was shaken violently by one of his parents in Sheffield and he suffered a subdural haematoma by shaking (shaken baby syndrome). He was subsequently adopted by a remarkably caring family who have adopted seven children with special needs in total. Alan has problems with mobility, feeding and behaviours as a consequence of his acquired brain injury. He needs input from occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy. He struggles to sleep and has to be PEG fed during the night.
Inequality in Compensation and the Urgent Need for Reform
After criticism and review the government uprated the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme to provide a maximum lump sum of Ā£650,000 together with lifelong, tax free guaranteed income payments which are increased to take account of inflation.
The government has confirmed that no changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are contemplated, either in relation to the maximum award, nor to take
account of the strong recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
Further Information and Expert Insight
For more information contact Neil Sugarman, Consultant with GLP Solicitors, Past President of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and former delegate to the CICAās Stakeholder and Equality Forum, writer, author and trainer on the Scheme.
Contact Brain Injury Group
If youāve suffered a criminal injury, the Brain Injury Group is here to help. These cases often require specialist legal guidance, long-term rehabilitation, and practical support for familiesāwe have the expertise and network to ensure you receive the support you need.
