Written question asked by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 May 2004. It was answered by Chris Leslie (Labour) on Thursday, 20 May 2004 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to improve collection rates of fines.

Answer: Mr. Hammond: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps his Department is taking to improve collection rates of fines. [174010] Mr. Leslie: Driving up performance in the collection of fines is a key priority in increasing confidence in the Criminal Justice System. That is why I announced last June my action plan to deliver significant improvements. A wide range of initiatives have been delivered or are planned. These include: The piloting of new enforcement tools and measures included in the Courts Act 2003 the introduction earlier this year of a policy of no longer writing off fines; the introduction from April 2004 of a new incentives package for enforcement teams; direct support for poorer performing magistrates courts committees (MCCs) through targeted intervention; "Operation Payback", a national blitz on outstanding warrants which raised £630,000 during the week commencing 22 March and will be repeated later in the year; and improving the information available to MCCs when offenders are difficult to trace.

Secondary information