Fund set up for murder clean-ups

Police will now clean-up murder scenes which are not covered by insurance

Scottish families will no longer have to meet the cost of cleaning up after murders which take place in the home.

The Scottish Government has set up a fund where police will pay for cleaning and decontamination if the cost is not met by landlords or insurers.

MSP Margaret Smith last year called for the fund to be set up.

"This will be a real help to families who are still coming to terms with the grief of losing a loved one in such traumatic circumstances", she said.

In one case, a Lanark family of a man beaten to death in his own kitchen who were forced to wash his blood off the walls themselves because they could not afford to hire a professional cleaner.

Home Office guidelines do not require English and Welsh police forces to take responsibility for cleaning up crime scenes after evidence has been taken.

It is important that organisations are sensitive to the needs of families of homicide victims Kenny MacAskillJustice Minister

Most chief constables do so as a matter of course but there is no legal requirement.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "The murder of a family member would be traumatic and distressing for anybody, but for the family to then have to meet the costs of cleaning the home is simply wrong.

"That's why we set up a working group to look at the issue.

"I am pleased that they've now come up with a solution, and that Acpos (Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) have agreed to meet the cost in the absence of other provision. This will ensure families no longer have the added stress and cost of cleaning the home.

"It is important that organisations are sensitive to the needs of families of homicide victims."

He said the Scottish Government had been working with the Association of British Insurers and the Chartered Institute of Housing to ensure that appropriate guidance is provided to insurers and housing providers.

'Added ordeal'

Ass Ch Con Campbell Corrigan, secretary of the Acpos crime business area, said: "Ultimately, a small number of cases will fall outwith the responsibility of the various landlords or insurance companies.

"In these exceptional cases, Acpos will meet the costs in respect of decontamination and cleaning services of dwelling houses."

Ms Smith, the Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh West, said: "I am delighted that, following my campaign, the Scottish Government has finally confirmed that families will no longer have to meet the cost of clearing up the aftermath if a murder takes place in their home.

"As well as coming to terms with their loss and attending to funeral arrangements, the families of murder victims have the added ordeal of a court case and, quite often, media attention.

"It seemed crazy to add to this burden by forcing families to pay for the cost of cleaning up the murder scene if it occurs in their own home.

"This is a very welcome move from Acpos and one that will support families at such a traumatic time."