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<p>We are not able to provide information on the proportion of the original fines
and victim surcharge that remains outstanding for without incurring disproportionate
cost. In order to extract this information we would need to conduct a manual search
of all current financial penalty accounts within our fines database. Figures for the
total amount of outstanding fines are published and can be found here</p><p> </p><ul><li><a
href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/727387/HMCTS_Trust_Statement_2017-18_v16_web.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/727387/HMCTS_Trust_Statement_2017-18_v16_web.pdf</a></li></ul><p>
</p><p> </p><p>This Government takes recovery and enforcement of financial impositions
very seriously and remains committed to finding new ways to ensure impositions are
paid and clamping down on fine defaulters is a continued priority nationwide. The
courts will do everything within their powers to trace those who do not pay. Money
can be deducted from an offender's earnings or from benefits if they are unemployed.
Other ‘upfront’ compliance actions include, increased use of telephone and text message
chasing and use of tracing tools. Warrants can be issued instructing approved enforcement
agents to seize and sell goods belonging to the offender. Ultimately an offender can
be imprisoned for non-payment of their fine.</p><p> </p><p>Targeted initiatives to
improve enforcement of financial penalties include the recent historic debt project.
This project which commenced in September 2016 resulted in the re-working of accounts
which had previously been administratively cancelled. As of November 2018, £34.3 million
has been collected as a result of this project. Lessons learnt from the Project have
been incorporated into business as usual processes within NCES.</p>
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