Home > Publications > Selected cases— Parliamentary > Selected Cases and Summaries of Completed Investigations: April 2001 to September 2001 > Case No. C.803/01
Selected Cases and Summaries of Completed Investigations
PCA 6th Report – Session 2001-2002
Chapter 2
CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION AUTHORITY
Handling of an application for criminal injuries compensation
Mr J complained about the way in which the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (the Authority) handled his application for compensation. The Ombudsman criticised the Authority for their failures to follow established procedures for pursuing medical information, and to record fully the reasons for their decisions to refuse Mr J an award. He was, however, satisfied that the Authority’s failure to obtain an osteopath’s report at an early stage had played no part in Mr J’s decision to appeal. He found that Mr J’s case had been subject to delay at both the review and appeal stages; the Authority had taken steps to reduce any delays in future. The Authority had also implemented a divisional court judgment that served to improve the information supplied to claimants when being told of decisions. The Chief Executive agreed to remind his staff of the importance of following guidance on monitoring the receipt of medical information, and of the need to record fully the reasons for their decisions, as well as keeping applicants fully informed of the progress of their cases at all stages. He also undertook to amend casework forms to indicate the issues which had been taken into account during the decision-making process. The Chief Executive apologised for the poor standard of service and agreed to offer Mr J an ex gratia payment of £50 in recognition of the inconvenience and costs of having to pursue the Authority for details of the progress of his case.
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