Last year the courts handed out almost £500million in fines but three-quarters of it has yet to be repaid, leading to fears criminals are being given a licence to break the law
Criminals owe at least £1billion in unpaid fines – almost double the amount of six years ago.
Critics warn that the shocking statistic shows offenders are being given a licence to break the law. Figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws show £977million was owed to the courts last April. According to Ministry of Justice statistics, that debt is rising at £7m a month – meaning the billion-pound barrier was broken last August.
In 2023 alone, the courts handed out some £498m in fines – but three-quarters remains unpaid. The true tally outstanding could be higher as our figures do not include demands for compensation and legal costs.
Ex-Flying Squad officer Peter Kirkham branded the figures “outrageous”. The retired Detective Chief Inspector added: “Yet again, the bad guys are getting away with it. For a criminal justice system to work, people must respect it and they must know that there will be consequences, but unfortunately that is not the case. A fine is a punishment and that only works if it’s actually paid.”
Courts often opt for fines over jail sentences in a bid to relieve pressure on the prison system. But officials give up on millions each year knowing the cash will likely never be paid. It means hundreds fined for crimes like theft, vandalism and assault are let off. Worst-hit areas include West Yorkshire, owed £60.9m, and London, due £75.5m.
The backlog comes despite efforts to use new technology to chase debtors. Experts say names are easily lost in the system and chasing individuals down is rarely cost-effective. John O’Connell of the TaxPayers Alliance said: “This makes a mockery of the system. Criminals are finding it easier to swerve punishment.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Financial penalties are an important part of justice being delivered – those who evade them are literally failing to pay their debt to society. The Government must do more to ensure fines are enforced, that even less serious offences still have consequences and the decisions of our courts are being upheld.”
HM Courts and Tribunals said: “We rigorously pursue fines. Offenders can be sent to prison for non-payment.”