Few arson victims secure compensation through CICA despite thousands of UK offences

Legal Expert report reveals just 17 successful claims in 2024 from over 450 applications since 2022

Victims of arson in the UK are struggling to receive financial compensation, with new data revealing that only 17 claims were successful in 2024 through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)—despite a rise in the number of applications and a growing number of arson offences nationwide.

According to research by Legal Expert, a leading criminal injury claims service, the CICA received more than 450 applications between January 2022 and December 2024 from victims of arson-related violence. However, just one in six of those claims resulted in a payout.

Arson is officially classed as a “crime of violence” under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, meaning victims who suffer physical or psychological harm may be eligible for financial redress if civil litigation isn’t a viable option.

78% of resolved arson claims were rejected by CICA

CICA data obtained by Legal Expert shows that of 464 arson-related claims processed over three years, only 76 were accepted, while 194 were rejected. A further 194 cases remain unresolved, leaving many victims still in limbo.

In 2024 alone, just 17 of 79 resolved cases resulted in compensation. The financial figures reflect this low success rate, with total payouts dropping significantly year-on-year:

• £67,070 in 2022

• £32,790 in 2023

• Just £2,400 in 2024

That’s a total of £102,260 paid out across three years, averaging around £1,345 per successful case.

The CICA cited several reasons for rejections:

• 98 cases dismissed as “not a crime of violence”

• 54 claims involved injuries not covered by the CICA tariff

• 42 applicants allegedly failed to take reasonable steps to assist with the process

Thousands of arson offences, but few claims

Data from 36 UK police forces showed more than 65,000 arson offences were investigated between 2022 and 2024. Yet, only 456 claims were submitted to the CICA in that time—highlighting a stark gap between incidents and compensation efforts.

Legal Expert’s criminal injury specialist Ellie Lamey said:

“It’s incredible that so few people have made a claim when thousands of arson offences have affected lives across the UK. Many victims don’t realise they could be eligible for compensation through the CICA scheme.”

The research also found that:

• 95% of arson offences did not lead to a charge

• In 70% of cases, the suspect was never identified

• London had the highest volume of offences (6,411), and was linked to 21 compensation claims

• Other hotspots for claims included Bradford (10 claims), Sheffield (6), Walsall (6) and Reading

Support for arson victims through Legal Expert

With most arson investigations ending without a charge, many victims are left without closure or justice. Ms Lamey stressed the importance of exploring the CICA compensation route as a viable alternative:

“As long as victims report the crime to the police and cooperate with the investigation, they may still be able to claim compensation. We’ve helped many people secure payouts they didn’t think were possible.”

Legal Expert offers 24/7 criminal injury claim support, connecting individuals with qualified solicitors who specialise in CICA claims for arson, assault, sexual abuse, and other violent crimes. Free consultations are available online or by phone.

Image provided by 955169 in Canva

Francesca Kaye