Serenity Law LLP is offering a pro bono advice service to those who are affected by the riots who may require assistance with insurance claims or may have issues with their landlords or employees.
Let me explain a bit more on the Riots Damages Act (1886) and how businesses can move forward.
The last weeks media reports have revealed images and reports of senseless acts of violence and vandalism to small businesses, retailers and residents of local communities. However it has been encouraging to see communities support one another and “clean up” their neighbourhoods.
In the aftermath of the violence, the financial and legal costs to businesses are being collated. The Local Data Company (LDC) estimates that 48,804 shops, pubs, restaurants and clubs have suffered directly or indirectly in the 28 town centres affected by the disorder.
Retailers have asked the Prime Minister to put in place actions to support the rebuilding of high streets wrecked by the riots of the past week. In a speech to the House of Commons, David Cameron announced concessions would be given to businesses and homes damaged by the riots for council tax, business rates and tax payments. He also referred to the Association of British Insurers estimate that payments to businesses impacted by the crime wave was in the region of ÂŁ200m.
A scheme has also been announced for a ÂŁ20m pot of money to support businesses hit by the riots under the High Street Support Scheme which will be funded jointly by the Department of Communities and Local Government and Business Innovation and Skills. The money is intended to finance those measures that will get business trading again and meet short-term costs pending insurance pay-outs.
The Prime Minister has also instructed the Valuation Office to remove the most severely damaged homes and business premises from its lists, https://www.montauk-monster.com/pharmacy/xenical thereby negating the payment of business rates and council tax.
Other measures that have been put in place to assist individuals and businesses are:
- The compensation claim period under the Riot Damages Act has been extended from 14 days to 42 days from an individual’s local police authority.
- Major UK banks have pledged to assist businesses and have published contact numbers to help them deal with the aftermath.
- Uninsured individuals and business owners who would usually not be able to claim in such circumstances are able to seek compensation under the Riot Damages Act (1886).
- ÂŁ10 million recovery scheme to help councils make local areas safe and clean.
- The Law Society has established a dedicated telephone help line to direct the victims of the riots to pro bono or free legal advice in conjunction with LawWorks and individual law firms. This in particular will be useful to the small independent shopkeepers whose livelihoods are threatened by the impact of the recent unrest.
Despite best support efforts from the government and other professional service organisations the cause for concern is that the international impression that a lawless state existed in London may create a longer term negative perception and impact on inward investment and visitor numbers.
If you have any queries regarding the law on this subject or need detailed advice my contact details appear below.
Author: Avinder Laroya is a partner at Serenity Law LLP. This is a full service commercial law firm offering company and commercial, employment, dispute resolution, intellectual property, real estate and immigration legal services to businesses and entrepreneurs ranging from start-ups to public companies.
You might like to know Serenity Law is also very much a “green” business relying upon modern technology to limit environmental waste and of course encourage flexible working! E-mail: alaroya@serenitylaw.co.uk. Phone: 0800 019 7773
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