Proceeds of crime: time limits for payment of confiscation orders
103.Paragraph 9 makes provision in relation to the time limits for payment of confiscation orders as set out in section 116 of the 2002 Act.
104.Paragraph 9(2)(c) inserts new subsections (5A) and (5B) into section 116. When an application is made under section 116(4) to extend the specified period within which the sums due under the confiscation order must be paid, that extended period must not exceed twelve months from the day on which the confiscation order was made. New subsections (5A) and (5B), provide that, where the accused is unable to pay for a reason relating to coronavirus, the court may order that the extended period continue until such day as the court considers appropriate in the circumstances (i.e. the effect is that the twelve month restriction in section 116(5)(b) is disapplied).
105.Paragraph 9(2)(d) and (e) modify the effect of section 116(6) so that, where new subsection (5A) applies, an order under section 116(4) may be made after the end of the period of twelve months starting with the day on which the confiscation order is made (i.e. the effect is that the twelve month restriction in section 116(6)(b) is disapplied).
106.Paragraph 9(3) inserts a new section 116A to provide further time for payment due to coronavirus. New section 116A applies where the court has made an order under section 116(4) extending the specified period. It allows the accused to apply to the sheriff court for an order further extending the specified period. Where the court is satisfied that the accused is unable to pay for a reason relating to coronavirus, it may make an order further extending the specified period for such period as the court considers appropriate in the circumstances.
107.Paragraph 9 also makes provision in relation to the payment of interest on unpaid sums under a confiscation order, as set out in section 117 of the 2002 Act. Subsection (1) provides that interest must be paid on amounts required to be paid under a confiscation order if those amounts are not paid when they are required to be paid. Subsection (3) sets out circumstances where no amount is required to be paid for the purposes of section 117 (and so interest does not accrue).
108.Paragraph 9(4)(c) inserts new subsections (3A) and (3B) into section 117 to set out further circumstances where no amount is required to be paid. New subsection (3A) modifies section 117(3)(c) so that the twelve month restriction is disapplied where a section 116(4) application has been made on the basis of the accused’s inability to pay for a reason relating to coronavirus. Subsection (3B) provides that no amount is required to be paid for the purposes of section 117 where an application has been made under new section 116A(2) for a further extension before the expiry of the period specified under section 116(4), and that application has not been determined by the court.