WIREDGOV

Police Survivor Support Scheme launched

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 08 February 2010

Families of police officers killed in the line of duty are to get financial support through a new government-funded scheme, Policing Minister David Hanson announced today.

The Police Survivor Support Scheme will see up to £20,000 given to families left struggling financially after officers have been killed while keeping the streets of the country safe.

The cash is aimed at partners of dead officers who have formed a new relationship, which means they are no longer eligible for the survivor pension.

Now the one-off payment of up to £20,000 will be handed out to give added financial support after the end of the pension entitlement.

Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP said:

“Our brave police officers put their lives on the line on a regular basis to help keep the rest of us safe.

“This scheme will give financial support to families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their nation.”

The Home Office-funded initiative will be run by the Police Dependants’ Trust (PDT), which has been providing financial support to the families of officers killed on duty for over 40 years.

PDT Chief Executive David French said:

“The Trust has been operating since 1966 and we are delighted to work with the Home Office to administer the scheme for our widows. It should also be noted that all those eligible for this scheme should have been registered with us already. I hope that many more will be able to access the assistance that the Trust may be able to offer.”

The Home Office worked closely with the PDT and drew on its experience of supporting former officers and their dependants to develop the scheme.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The formation of the Police Survivor Support Scheme fulfils a pledge made by former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to support families left struggling financially.
2. Potential beneficiaries of the scheme will apply to the PDT, who will process the payment after deciding the application is eligible.
3. Further details of the scheme and the criteria for eligibility and applications can be found at: www.pdtrustwidows.org
4. For more information, contact Home Office Press Office newsdesk.

Contacts:

NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the above department
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk