The riots that erupted across the UK last summer, following the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport, have led to compensation claims under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA) totaling
nearly £2 million. The violence, which stemmed in part from misinformation about the suspect being an asylum seeker, caused significant property damage nationwide.
According to data from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), 88 claims have been registered under the RCA. However, the APCC has indicated that these figures are not final and may increase as further claims are processed. The Home Office has confirmed that much of the compensation will come from local police commissioners' or mayors' budgets.
The unrest began after a knife attack on July 29 at a children's dance event in Southport, where three girls lost their lives. In the aftermath, misinformation about the perpetrator's identity fueled anger and sparked violence. The riots targeted properties entirely unrelated to the tragedy, including mosques, hotels housing asylum seekers, shops, and public buildings.
Incidents of vandalism, looting, and arson spread across towns and cities in England. Among the worst-hit locations was Spellow Library, which was set ablaze. While £250,000 in donations have been raised to repair and enhance the library, other sites, such as hotels and shops, continue to face significant financial burdens.
The RCA allows individuals and businesses to claim compensation for damage, destruction, or theft caused by riots if such losses are not covered by insurance. Insurers who have already compensated claimants can seek reimbursement through the act. However, the overall financial toll of the riots is expected to far exceed the RCA claims due to uninsured losses.
Although the APCC has not disclosed specific locations for all claims, data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests revealed claims from regions including Cleveland, Staffordshire, Humberside, Durham, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, and Merseyside.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell reported 30 claims totaling £799,446.79—the highest amount among claims authorities that provided information. Spurrell emphasized the importance of ensuring that affected individuals and businesses receive the financial support they need to recover.
In Staffordshire, two claims amounting to £270,000 have been filed, following a violent attack on the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Tamworth. The hotel, housing asylum seekers, was targeted by a mob on August 4. Rioters smashed windows, started fires, and attacked police with fireworks and petrol bombs. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison described the scene as "terrifying," adding that many officers feared for their safety during the attack.
The Home Office has indicated that local police and crime budgets will bear the brunt of compensation costs. However, police commissioners can apply for government grants if they are unable to cover claims within their existing budgets.
A government spokesperson condemned the "senseless looting and vandalism" and assured that those responsible are being brought to justice. Ministers have been engaging with affected communities to assess their needs and provide support.
The true extent of the financial impact remains unclear, as more claims and repairs are finalized. Meanwhile, communities continue to rebuild from the devastation left in the wake of the riots. Photo by StreetMic LiveStream, Wikimedia commons.