Victim surcharge

An extra amount the court must order an offender to pay when sentencing, which funds services for victims and witnesses.

The victim surcharge is an additional sum that a court must order an offender to pay when passing sentence, and the money funds support services for victims and witnesses. The amount depends on the sentence and on the offender's age at the time of the offence. For adults sentenced for offences committed on or after 16 June 2022, it is £26 for a conditional discharge, 40% of a fine (up to a maximum of £2,000), £114 for a community order, £154 or £187 for a suspended sentence depending on its length, and from £154 to £228 for immediate prison. Lower amounts, from £20 to £41, apply to offenders who were under 18. If the court also orders compensation and the offender cannot afford both, compensation takes priority and the surcharge can be reduced. It does not apply to an absolute discharge. Unpaid surcharges are enforced like fines.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.