Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Reform compensation for people imprisoned whose convictions are overturned

Closed 97 signatures

What the petition asks

Currently people imprisoned for crimes they did not commit have to make a claim for compensation when their conviction is overturned. Compensation is also capped, and can be reduced to reflect savings on living costs while imprisoned. We want compensation to be automatic, and more generous.
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The Government should introduce a scheme to provide compensation to people whose convictions are overturned automatically, immediately after their release.

Such compensation should be set at a level comparable to double their potential income had they not been jailed.

The practice of reducing compensation to reflect reduced living costs whilst in jail should end, and people whose compensation was reduced on this basis should receive additional compensation to make up for this.

Timeline

2 Aug 2023 Petition opened for signatures
2 Feb 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 97
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 2 Aug 2023
Closed 2 Feb 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.