The independent Riots Communities and Victims Panel has published its interim report. It finds that there are many individual causes and motivations for the disorder between August 6 and 10….
Since the panel’s call for evidence was announced ten weeks ago its members have visited 20 areas, and engaged with thousands of people who were affected by the riots, and some who were not. Through original research the panel estimates that between 13,000-15,000 people were actively involved in the riots, which spread through England with unprecedented speed.
The panel has concluded that the riots were not about or caused by any single issue. However, it finds that had the police response in Tottenham, and subsequently across London, been more robust riots would not have happened elsewhere in England.
Using previously unpublished data the panel has explored the link between deprivation and rioting, and explores the role of brands and consumerism, values and parenting.
The panel finds and recommends that:
* The Riot Damages Act is not working. The Panel did not hear of anyone who had received a payment under the Act. Forecasts show that by March 2012 barely half of the smallest, and only one in 10 of the largest, claims will have been paid.
Recommendation: Unblock the Riots Damages Act system and ensure that victims of the riots receive compensation quickly.
* Insurers are letting victims down. The panel heard a large number of complaints about the speed of insurers and their treatment of claimants.
Recommendation: Prompt the insurance industry to root out the cases where service has been poor and to ensure that customers who are facing severe trauma are dealt with effectively.
* Footfall remains seriously down in some riot-hit high streets.
Recommendation: The Government should start a fund to support struggling high streets, including using any potential underspend from the various support schemes to provide extra help.
* People felt abandoned by the police in many areas.
Recommendation: Police need to ensure they achieve the right balance in prioritising the protection of individuals and residential areas over commercial property in tackling riots.
* Residents were forced into the streets after their homes were set alight. Some people were forced off buses into riot areas.
Recommendation: Local authorities and emergency services should review their processes for how to assist and/or evacuate residents and bystanders caught up in riot areas, including through designating particular sites ‘safe havens’.
* Many people told the panel that police ‘stop and search’ was consistently carried out without courtesy.
Recommendation: ‘Stop and search’ needs immediate attention to ensure that community support and confidence is not undermined.
* The police could not control the disorder in many areas.
Recommendation: Police authorities should immediately review their emergency plans to ensure they properly cover public disorder on the scale of the August riots.
* Convicted rioters pose a risk of re-offending.
Recommendation: Clear plans from public services, including the probation service, youth offending teams and local government to deal with the return of rioters are needed to reduce the potential for re-offending and to safeguard communities.
* Victims should be able to confront rioters.
Recommendation: Central and local government and the police should ensure all victims who want to face people who committed crimes against them can have the opportunity do so.
* Many emergency service staff risked their lives during the riots.
Recommendation: Honour the service personnel who protected communities at great risk to themselves.
The Riots Communities and Victims Panel‚Äôs interim report can be read via the following link –
