Menu
03/08/2005
London bomb victim compensation branded ‘a pittance’
Victims’ groups have branded the £11,000 compensation offer to the families of those killed in the London bombings a “pittance”.
The families of the 52 people killed in the July 7 suicide bomb attacks will be eligible for basic compensation of £11,000 from the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
If more than one family member applies for compensation, they will receive only £5,500 each, as well as “reasonable” extra payments to cover funeral costs.
Dependent children are entitled to £2,000 per year until the age of 18, under the scheme.
Survivors who have been left severely debilitated by the attacks are eligible for a maximum payout of £500,000, as well as claims for loss of earnings and care costs.
However, the strict guidelines of the scheme mean that the families of the deceased will receive payments that are only a fraction of the maximum payouts.
The compensation figures have been unfavourably compared to the amount received by the families of the September 11 attacks – around $2 million (£1.13 million) each.
The Home Office said that the compensation scheme, which pays out more than £200 million a year to victims of crime, is one of the most generous in the world. The CICA also said that the bereavement payments should be regarded as a “token of public sympathy”.
A spokesperson for the Victims of Crime Trust said: “Families should be given probably 100 times as much because, let’s face it, they have to live with this tragedy for the entirety of their lives. It has to be more than £11,000.
“This is only supposed to be a token, but it should be more than a token. Murder destroys far more than just the victim’s life, it destroys the lives of families and communities and it’s about time the government raised its level of payments to victims’ families.”
(KMcA/GB)
The families of the 52 people killed in the July 7 suicide bomb attacks will be eligible for basic compensation of £11,000 from the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
If more than one family member applies for compensation, they will receive only £5,500 each, as well as “reasonable” extra payments to cover funeral costs.
Dependent children are entitled to £2,000 per year until the age of 18, under the scheme.
Survivors who have been left severely debilitated by the attacks are eligible for a maximum payout of £500,000, as well as claims for loss of earnings and care costs.
However, the strict guidelines of the scheme mean that the families of the deceased will receive payments that are only a fraction of the maximum payouts.
The compensation figures have been unfavourably compared to the amount received by the families of the September 11 attacks – around $2 million (£1.13 million) each.
The Home Office said that the compensation scheme, which pays out more than £200 million a year to victims of crime, is one of the most generous in the world. The CICA also said that the bereavement payments should be regarded as a “token of public sympathy”.
A spokesperson for the Victims of Crime Trust said: “Families should be given probably 100 times as much because, let’s face it, they have to live with this tragedy for the entirety of their lives. It has to be more than £11,000.
“This is only supposed to be a token, but it should be more than a token. Murder destroys far more than just the victim’s life, it destroys the lives of families and communities and it’s about time the government raised its level of payments to victims’ families.”
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2003
UN calls for calm after Afghan car bomb
The UN has called on the Afghan government to "provide more security" for its operations following a car explosion on Tuesday night outside UN offices in the southern city of Kandahar. The Security Council in New York also condemned the attack, which injured a UN guard and a passing Afghan student.
UN calls for calm after Afghan car bomb
The UN has called on the Afghan government to "provide more security" for its operations following a car explosion on Tuesday night outside UN offices in the southern city of Kandahar. The Security Council in New York also condemned the attack, which injured a UN guard and a passing Afghan student.
12 January 2004
£25m Victims Fund under consideration
The Commons is considering new legislation that could see the setting up of a national Victims Fund worth £25 million, it has been revealed today.
£25m Victims Fund under consideration
The Commons is considering new legislation that could see the setting up of a national Victims Fund worth £25 million, it has been revealed today.
27 March 2015
Justice Secretary Introduces New Criminal Court Charge
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced new rules that will see convicted criminals in England and Wales pay up to £1,200 towards court costs. The new Criminal Courts Charge will be introduced on 13 April, will begin at £150 and will not be means-tested. Mr Grayling said the new cost will ensure "criminals pay their way".
Justice Secretary Introduces New Criminal Court Charge
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced new rules that will see convicted criminals in England and Wales pay up to £1,200 towards court costs. The new Criminal Courts Charge will be introduced on 13 April, will begin at £150 and will not be means-tested. Mr Grayling said the new cost will ensure "criminals pay their way".
10 October 2013
32,600 Compensation Claims Received Over Potholes
Britain's roads are peppered with almost 200,000 potholes, or one for every mile of road in Great Britain, according to official council data obtained via a freedom of information request by Britannia Rescue. The combination of a harsh winter followed by a dry summer has particularly harmed road surfaces and exacerbated the problem.
32,600 Compensation Claims Received Over Potholes
Britain's roads are peppered with almost 200,000 potholes, or one for every mile of road in Great Britain, according to official council data obtained via a freedom of information request by Britannia Rescue. The combination of a harsh winter followed by a dry summer has particularly harmed road surfaces and exacerbated the problem.
26 September 2005
London bomb victims to begin receiving payments
Survivors of the London bomb attacks are to begin receiving compensation payments within the next ten days, it has been announced. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority said that it had now received around 180 applications.
London bomb victims to begin receiving payments
Survivors of the London bomb attacks are to begin receiving compensation payments within the next ten days, it has been announced. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority said that it had now received around 180 applications.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
