(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order repeals the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988. It replaces the arrangements under that Order for paying compensation for criminal injuries. The key features of the new arrangements are—
(a)the introduction of a new statutory Scheme;
(b)the establishment of a tariff of injuries to calculate the standard amount of compensation;
(c)in certain cases payment for loss of earnings and special expenses;
(d)the introduction of a new bereavement support payment;
(e)provision for reviews of decisions;
(f)the establishment of an independent Appeals Panel to hear appeals against decisions of the Secretary of State;
(g)the introduction of funded support and assistance from a designated body to replace paid legal assistance.