CICA claims continue to face delays as applications reach record highs

CICA claims continue to face growing delays as applications reach record highs

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority’s (CICA) 2025-2026 Annual Report has recently been published and highlights the increasing pressure on the compensation scheme with a record 47,402 new applications received - a 10.5% increase on the previous year.  However, this has resulted in longer waiting times for applicants seeking compensation.  As solicitors specialising in CICA claims, we understand how frustrating these delays can be for applicants. 

The number of live claims has risen by 19% to more than 65,000 cases while only 62% of applicants received a first decision within 12 months, falling quite short of the CICA’s own target of 70%.  Older claims are also becoming more common with an increasing number of claims remaining unresolved for over 2 years.

During the year 2025/2026 the CICA have

• 49% of cases less than 12 month old
• 23% 1-2 years old
• 13.8% 2-3 years old
• 6.8% 3-4 years old
• 3.5% 4-5 years old
• 3.3% over 5 years old

If you are waiting a decision from the CICA you are not alone, behind every statistic is a person who has lived through a violent crime and is waiting for a decision that may have a real impact on their recovery, delays can be very detrimental.

The Annual report also highlights the importance of challenging incorrect decisions.  Nearly 14% of first decisions were challenged through the internal review process, demonstrating that the initial decision is not always the end of the matter.  In addition, more than half of appeals heard by the first-tier tribunal resulted in the CICA’s decision being changed or sent back for further consideration. 

The Chief Executive for the CICA has recognised this has been a challenging year, they are receiving over 1000 emails every day and over 600 complaints every month, yet a decision was taken to reduce their contact centre opening hours, it has been admitted that this was not the correct decision.  Going forward into the next financial year the CICA have advised that their priorities are to further improve the experience of applicants and reduce the time taken to reach decisions.

It will be interesting to see how the CICA responds to these increasing pressures over the coming year particularly if the applications continue to rise. 

The report is available is read on the Government's website here:  CICA Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 - GOV.UK