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16/05/2012

John Waite investigates the two billion pounds of unpaid court fines and other judicial penalties highlighted by the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee.

John Waite investigates the story behind the missing billions of unpaid fines, fees, compensation orders and confiscation orders.

Recent reports by the National Audit Office and the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee put the amount outstanding at almost 拢2 billion. The Ministry of Justice is cutting services by approximately the same amount.

It's already shut 129 of 142 courts due for closure.

The Legal Aid fund will be cut by 拢450 million.

Overall the Ministry of Justice will be looking to save over 拢2 billion of its 拢10 billion budget.

So who is not paying their fines and are criminals getting off scot-free?

Is the money simply uncollected - or uncollectable?

John Waite speaks to magistrates, criminals, victims of crime and key players in the legal system.

He visits a Magistrates Court and joins police on a raid.

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26 minutes

Last on

Wed 16 May 2012 12:30
麻豆社 Radio 4

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Broadcast

  • Wed 16 May 2012 12:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4