Police Authorities to foot bill for riot damage estimated at over £100 million

Insurers are forecasting damage of over £100 million from the ongoing rioting but in a law classed as outdated by the Association of Police Authorities (APA), the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 allows these losses to be recovered from police.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) argued that the act had worked well for over 125 years. The Act allows insurers and the uninsured to make claims for the cost of damage. With public authorities facing difficult financial times the APA argued that they should not have to foot the bill. Ann Barnes, deputy chair of the APA, said "It seems to me a nonsense that when policing is facing unprecedented cuts and meeting the costs of ongoing disorder, it must also bear the brunt of paying for criminal damage because of an out of date law."

On the other hand the ABI claimed that the Act ensured premiums did not rise to cover a relatively rare event.  It stated "The scheme means that people do not have to pay higher premiums every year to insure their home or business because of a riot which may only happen once every 30 years".

Meanwhile, the Home Office has agreed to review the law. A spokesperson said "We are in the process of reviewing the Riot Damages Act and are considering all options for reform. However, the legislation still remains in place and claims for compensation can still be made from businesses and households to police authorities."