SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 5Collection of fines

Part 8Operation of collection orders containing reserve terms

29Application of Part

This Part applies if—

a

a collection order contains reserve terms, and

b

the attachment of earnings order or application for benefit deductions made under Part 3 or 6 fails.

30Requirement to notify P on failure of an attachment of earnings order etc.

The fines officer must deliver to P a notice (“a payment notice”) informing P—

a

that the order or application has failed and the reserve terms have effect,

b

what P has to do to comply with the reserve terms, and

c

of his right to make applications under paragraph 31.

31Application to fines officer for variation of reserve terms

1

P may, at any time—

a

after the date of a payment notice under paragraph 30 and before an increase is imposed under paragraph 33, and

b

when he is not in default on the collection order,

apply to the fines officer for the reserve terms to be varied.

2

No application may be made under sub-paragraph (1) unless—

a

there has been a material change in P’s circumstances since the reserve terms were set (or last varied under this paragraph), or

b

P is making further information about his circumstances available.

3

On such an application being made, the fines officer may decide—

a

to vary the reserve terms in P’s favour, or

b

not to vary them.

4

A decision of the fines officer under this paragraph must be in writing, dated and delivered to P.

5

Subject to paragraph 32, the effect of a decision under sub-paragraph (3)(a) is that the collection order has effect with the reserve terms varied in the way decided by the fines officer.

32Appeal against decision of fines officer

1

P may, within 10 working days from the date of a decision under paragraph 31(3), appeal to the magistrates' court against the decision.

2

On an appeal under this paragraph the magistrates' court may—

a

confirm or vary the reserve terms, or

b

discharge the order and exercise any of its standard powers in respect of persons liable to pay fines.

33Increase in fine on first default

1

This paragraph applies on the first occasion on which P is in default on the collection order and none of the following is pending—

a

an application under paragraph 31(1) (application to fines officer for variation of reserve terms);

b

an appeal under paragraph 32(1) (appeal against decision of fines officer);

c

a reference under paragraph 42 (power of fines officer to refer case to magistrates' court).

2

An increase is imposed on the fine which is the subject of the order.

3

The amount of the increase is to be determined in accordance with fines collection regulations but must not be greater than 50% of the fine.

4

The increase is given effect by treating it as part of the fine imposed on P on his conviction.

5

But the liability to pay the part of the fine representing the increase—

a

ranks after the liability to pay any other part of the sum due, and

b

is subject to paragraphs 35(6) and 39(2) (liability to increase extinguished in cases of subsequent compliance).

34Notice of increase etc.

If an increase is imposed the fines officer must deliver a notice to P (an “increase notice”)—

a

informing P of the increase, and

b

requiring P, within 10 working days from the date of the notice, to contact the fines officer, in person or in writing, with a view to reviewing the position.