Terror compensation system ‘broken’ and claims process ‘unfair’, say survivors
More than 130 terror attack survivors were surveyed for a new report.
Terror attack survivors have condemned the UK’s compensation scheme in a new report.
Support network Survivors Against Terror (SAT) has called for change after it found that more than half of those who responded to a survey think the process is unfair and unreasonable.
More than 130 survivors from 11 different terror attacks, including the Fishmonger’s Hall stabbings in London in 2019 and the Manchester Arena suicide bombing in 2017, completed the poll on the Government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The report found 68% thought the process was unfair and unreasonable, with 9% thinking the opposite, and 62% did not feel treated with respect and empathy – compared with only 17% who felt they were.
More than half of survivors said they were unable to speak to someone from CICA for help and some 60% did not feel it was easy to submit their compensation claim, and that the information provided by CICA was unclear or not easy to understand.
“An organisation that is supposed to be helping survivors recover and rebuild is instead consistently doing them harm. If the organisation had poor processes and procedures but scored well on other areas, there would be hope for reform. There is not.
“While our starting point was not to recommend removing responsibility for survivors of terror attacks from CICA, it has become the inescapable conclusion.
“Survivors deserve better. They have been attacked, not because of who they are, but as proxies for the British state; therefore, the British state has a responsibility to ensure that they are supported. Today it is failing in that duty.”
Sandra Loining, co-author of the report said: “The public will be rightly appalled by how survivors are being treated. While the Government has been big on promises of change, nothing has been delivered and it’s victims who are paying the price.”
Comments in the survey claimed some are still waiting for compensation years later.
One Manchester Arena attack survivor said: “After five years I am still waiting for CICA to settle my claim, they lost all my notes.”
The SAT has recommended the creation of a new compensation authority overseen by the Home Office, with other recommendations calling for transparency in how awards are calculated and an ability to track applications through an online portal.
“This includes £4.6 million for victims of terrorism since 2017, with a dedicated team helping victims of the Manchester Arena attack receive the compensation to which they are entitled.
“But we know more must be done, which is why the Government is reviewing the support available, to better address victims’ needs.”
The Government also confirmed that 836 of the 859 applications in connection with the Manchester Arena bombing have been finalised, with 436 of the bereaved or injured receiving criminal injuries compensation. Of those applications, 13 have been made within the last six months.
