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(1)This figure includes 46 fines (£4,530) that are in dispute by missions who claim not to have received the original penalty notices. These could not be resolved before issue of the statement.
The number of outstanding fines incurred by diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom for non-payment of the London congestion charge since its introduction in February 2003 until 3 April 2007 was 74,198. The table below shows the 10 diplomatic missions with the highest value of outstanding fines.
| Mission | Number of Outstanding Fines | Value £ |
Diplomatic Missions (Non-Domestic Rates Bills)
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Margaret Beckett):
The majority of diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom pay the national non-domestic rates requested from them. They are obliged to pay only 6 per cent. of the total national non-domestic
rates value, which represents payment for specific services such as street cleaning, lighting, maintenance and fire services. The total amount outstanding from all diplomatic missions is approximately £821,000.00. However, as at 31 March 2007, the missions listed below owed over £10,000 in national non-domestic rates. Twelve additional diplomatic missions, who owe £10,000 or more in respect of national non-domestic rates, have made arrangements with the Valuation Office Agency to clear their outstanding debts and have not been included in this list.
| Country | Amount |
Diplomatic Immunity (Alleged Serious Offences)
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Margaret Beckett): In 2006, 15 serious offences allegedly committed by people entitled to diplomatic immunity were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. "Serious Offences" are defined as offences that would, in certain circumstances, carry a penalty of 12 months or more imprisonment. Some 24,000 people are entitled to diplomatic immunity in the United Kingdom.
The table below lists those foreign missions whose diplomats allegedly committed serious offences and the type of offence from 2002-2006.
Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Facilitating Illegal Immigration
Public Order & Making False Declarations
Activities Inconsistent with Diplomatic Status (Bribery)
Driving under the Influence of Alcohol
Possession of an Offensive Weapon
Driving under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving under the Influence of Alcohol
Theft and Robbery (of Motor Vehicle, Driving without Insurance)
Deception (Going Equipped to Commit)
Driving under the Influence of Alcohol
Failure to Stop for Police/Driving without Insurance and Licence
Theft (Obtaining Property by Deception)
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