Fiscal fine destinations: FOI release

Information requested

Once an accused has paid a fiscal fine, what happens to the money? Does the money stay within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service or is it transferred back to the Scottish Government and used for other purposes?

Response

Money that is paid in response to the issuing of fiscal fines is collected under the general approach for collection of financial penalties undertaken by Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. Further information on levels of fiscal fine collection can be found at https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/docs/default-source/aboutscs/reports-and-data/quarterly-fines-reports/qfr55/quarterly-fines-report-55---2022-23- q2.pdf?sfvrsn=927cf628_2

In respect of what happens to the money collected, this does not go to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Money that is collected in retained for use within the overall Scottish administration. However, it is worth noting that under the terms of the Scotland Act 2016 and associated legislation, the amount of fine income retained by the Scottish administration is offset through the operation of UK Government funding for the Scottish Government. Retention of fine income operates on a cost neutral basis through the relevant arrangements. This process is provided for in: The Scotland Act 1998 (Designation of Receipts) (Amendment) Order 2017 (legislation.gov.uk)

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.