Whether there will be a Scottish hardship fund for victims of crime.

The Scottish Government already provides direct funding to Victim Support Scotland to maintain a Victims’ Fund, which provides direct assistance to victims of crime. We will be bringing forward shortly, within the Victims and Witnesses Bill, proposals for a victim surcharge to require offenders to contribute towards an additional source of revenue to meet the immediate needs of victims of crime. Following completion of work on the Victims and Witnesses Bill, we intend to consult on proposals for a Scottish Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The consultation will seek views on how compensation might better meet the immediate needs of victims.