A BOLTON MP has quizzed the Justice Minister about Government cuts to compensation for injured victims of crime.

Julie Hilling, MP for Bolton West, voted against the Government’s cuts to compensation for more than 90 per cent of seriously injured victims of violent crime and for the dependents of murder victims. The vote was passed on Monday night, but the day after the debate, Ms Hilling asked Justice Minister Helen Grant: “Given that the scheme will no longer pay out for injuries such as a broken jaw, and that the awards for more serious injuries are not being increased, will the Minister confirm that the changes represent a cut of £50 million for innocent victims?”

The Minister replied that “the aim is to provide proper compensation for those who have suffered serious criminal injuries.”

Ms Hilling urged anyone who has been injured in the course of a crime to submit an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority as soon as possible. Any claim made after November 26 will qualify for less compensation.