The new Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is now operating and will soon replace the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT).
VOCAT is working to finalise all pending applications to conclude operations, which may be as early as 30 May 2025, save for a small volume of residual matters.
VOCAT may not consider applications to reinstate.
Further information regarding the transition is available here
On 16 January 2024 the Chief Magistrate issued a new Practice Direction regarding Awards of Assistance for Travel Expenses. This Practice Direction revokes Practice Direction 1 of 2016.
