What is the Riot Compensation Act 2016?
The Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA) gives victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation. It is designed to allow communities to recover quickly from the impact of rioting.
In order to qualify for compensation victims must demonstrate that the damage or loss they have suffered was as a result of a riot.
If your property is not adequately insured you can claim compensation under the RCA from the local police ‘claims authority’. For Cleveland, this is the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
What can I claim?
If you hold insurance for property that is damaged or stolen in a riot, you must claim via your insurance company first. You can only submit an RCA claim for these items if all or part of your insurance claim is rejected.
If you are an owner of a building affected by a riot, you can claim for damage to the building’s structure
and/or
If you are a tenant/occupier of an address affected by a riot, you can claim for your damaged/stolen contents.
You can also claim for damaged or stolen:
- Business items stored in a vehicle
- Stock-in-trade vehicles
- Underinsured vehicles
The RCA does not cover:
- Personal items held outside of a building
- Consequential loss e.g. loss of trade or rent
- Personal injury – this is dealt with by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
Riot Compensation Claims – Guidance for claimants (application, 611kB)
How do I claim?
To make a claim, it must be in relation to one of the areas affected by recent disorder:
- Hartlepool on 31st July 2024
- Middlesbrough on 4th August 2024
Please note further criteria will be used to assess each claim to ensure that the damage took place by the known riot activity, as well as meeting the definition of riot damage.
Residents have until 23:55 on Friday 11th October to submit their claim.
Please ensure you take the following steps if your property has been damaged:
- Report the crime to the police for a crime reference number
- If your property is insured, make a claim with your insurance company – they will advise if you are not fully covered.
- Complete the form below and send to [email protected]
Riot Compensation Form (application, 73kB)
You can also download and print the Compensation Form. Completed forms can be sent via post to:
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland
St Marks House
St Marks Court
Thornaby
Stockton-On-Tees
TS17 6QW
If you would like assistance to complete this form, please call 01642 301861.