In brief: Compensation scheme hits stormy waters

Law firms and unions have urged the Home Secretary to reconsider his plans to re-impose a tariff system under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme following a landmark decision which ruled it unlawful. Trades Union Council general secretary John Monks has written to Michael Howard saying there should be proper discussions on the subject and a debate in Parliament. And Wolferstans partner Neil Groves says people who have received reduced compensation under the scheme, which began operation on 1 April, may have a right to claim what they would have been entitled to before the rules were changed.