Legal News
Riot Compensation Scheme Needs Overhaul, Claims Independent Panel (1 December 2011)
Date: 01/12/2011
An independent panel has called for the scheme designed to compensate businesses and homeowners for damages incurred during the August civil riots to be overhauled. The Riots, Communities and Victims Panel has investigated the causes of the civil unrest, the way in which communities responded and the way in which a recurrence of the riots could be avoided. Its interim report urges changes to the 1886 Riot Damages Act. Almost 6,000 businesses and homeowners have submitted compensation claims over the riots. These claimants have been able to receive financial support from a dedicated Home Office fund using the riot damages legislation act.
The panel, which set up a website to connect with communities affected by the riots, forecasts that by March 2012, 50 per cent of the smallest compensation claims and nine out of ten of the greatest compensation claims would remain outstanding. The panel have also called for insurance companies to quicken the speed at which they settle claims.
The panel’s 111-page report has been based upon visits to communities affected by the civil unrest, in addition to meetings with young offenders. The full findings of the panel are set to be released in March 2012. The Cabinet Office has commissioned fuller research into the communities affected.
Duncan Lewis’ expert team of trained criminal law solicitors can provide legal advice to businesses and homeowners who have been affected by the civil unrest. The department can aid clients in submitting compensation claims for damages incurred because of the riots.