Murder clean-up fund announced

Families of people murdered in their homes will no longer have to pay for clean-up costs, the Scottish Government has said.

The families of murder victims killed in the home will no longer have to meet the cost of cleaning up afterwards, the Scottish Government has announced.

Police will now pay for decontamination and cleaning if the cost is not met by landlords or insurers. The Scottish Government set up a working group to look at the issue last year.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said on Sunday that the move would spare families extra stress after the death of a loved one.

He 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 the 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."

Mr MacAskill said it is important that organisations are sensitive to the needs of families of homicide victims, and said that the Scottish Government has 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.

Strathclyde Police's Assistant Chief Constable 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."

Margaret Smith, Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh West, ran a campaign last year for a murder clean up fund.

She 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.

"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.

"A murder clear-up fund will be relatively inexpensive and a real help to families who are still coming to terms with the grief of losing a loved one in such traumatic circumstances."