Compensation available for Merseyside residents and businesses affected by riots

Homeowners and businesses affected by the riots earlier this month are being encouraged to seek compensation by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Emily Spurrell is encouraging all those who suffered losses or damage to their cars, homes, or shops to claim compensation from their insurance companies.

She is raising awareness that those caught in up the chaos who were not insured or who did not have adequate cover in place and whose insurance company won’t pay out, may also be entitled to claim for their losses under the Riot Compensation Scheme.

This includes the owners of buildings which suffered structural damage and tenants or occupiers which had stock or assets damaged or stolen or vehicles damaged in Southport, Liverpool city centre, and County Road.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Having spent time in some of the areas affected by the shameful scenes of violence and disorder, it was quite clear to see the scale of damage to properties and vehicles.

“I want to ensure everyone affected by these appalling incidents can recover as quickly as possible and critical to that is accessing the financial support to which you are entitled.

“That’s why I am encouraging people to submit claims to their insurance companies as quickly as possible.

“For those who are uninsured or have been refused compensation by their insurance claim, I would invite them to submit a claim through my website to see if they are eligible through the Riot Compensation Scheme.

“This scheme is in place to make sure all those impacted by the riots get the support they need, and I would urge people to apply now so they do not miss out.”

To qualify for compensation through this scheme, victims must be able to demonstrate that the damage or loss they have suffered was as a result of a riot.

To make a claim, you must report the crime to the police, if you have not already. You should be given a crime reference number.

Those with insurance, must claim via their insurer first.

Claims must be sent within 43 days after the riot. If you make an insurance claim first, you have 43 days to make your RCS claim from the date the insurer tells you that you are not fully covered.

You will need to show evidence of the losses for which you are claiming, such as receipts, bank statements, surveyor’s report and photographic evidence.

The Riot Compensation Scheme does not cover personal items, loss of trade or rent or personal injuries.

Full details of how to submit a claim and the claim form can be found at www.merseysidepcc.info/RiotCompensationScheme