In September 2016 HMCTS set up the Historic Debt Project to tackle outstanding debt which has accumulated over the years from unpaid criminal fines and financial orders where debtors could not previously be traced.
With the benefit of new intelligence and tracing tools, outstanding debts up to 10 years old are being pursued by a dedicated team in the HMCTS National Compliance and Enforcement Service.
Since the project commenced in September debtors across England and Wales have received letters and text messages from the Historic Debt Team about payment of fines and impositions for past offences. To date significant sums have been collected, including compensation owed to victims of crime.
The team will continue over the coming months to identify and enforce unpaid historic fines. If you have received a letter you should make immediate payment. If you have any concerns about a letter you have received please contact the Historic Debt Team who will be able to assist further. Information on how you can pay your fine will be included with the fines notice.