Claims for compensation under the Riot Damages Act 1886

The period for making claims under the Riot (Damages) Act arising out of the August disorder has now expired.

The MPA has received over 3,844 claims in respect of losses suffered in London, with an initial 60,000 pages of supporting documentation.

The MPA and MPS are very aware of the impact of the disturbances on individuals and businesses, and aim to deal with these claims as quickly as possible, both to make payments where the Act allows for this and to notify claimants where their claims fall outside the compensation provisions of the Act.

In co-operation with the Home Office, loss adjusters are currently investigating claims made by uninsured claimants. We will deal with these claims as speedily as possible after receiving their reports.

Where claimants are insured, their claims will be dealt with initially by their insurers. We will deal with insurers’ claims for reimbursement subsequently.

The role of the Metropolitan Police Authority

Under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886, the Metropolitan Police Authority is liable to pay for damage to buildings and their contents which has occurred in the course of a riot in London (excluding the City of London). The Act provides for compensation to be paid for losses through injury, destruction or stealing, to houses, shops and other buildings or their contents caused by any person involved in a riot. Claims will be assessed in accordance with the legal definition of a riot.
The Act does not include damage to or theft of a vehicle unless that vehicle was housed within a building. It also excludes personal injuries, compensation for non-material losses, such as interruption to trading. No costs will be allowed to any person claiming.

The Act applies to both insured and uninsured members of the public as well as insured and uninsured businesses.

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback