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Home Office

Answer

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding is available within his Department for helping the victims of serious road accidents; and if he will make a statement. [109577] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Home Office is providing funding for victims of serious road incidents in a number of ways. The police are able to use their general grant settlement to deploy family liaison officers for serious road incidents. The resource made available is a local operational matter. However, since this April, family liaison officers are routinely deployed at fatal incidents or those which seem likely to result in a fatality. In carrying out their duties, family liaison officers issue a copy of the Brake guide "Advice for bereaved families and friends following a death on the road". In 2003-04, the Home Office is providing Brake with a grant of £46,752 to ensure its production and distribution. The core funding provided to Victim Support allows them to provide a Witness Service in all Crown and magistrates courts. If a road traffic incident involves a court case, the victim or their family can access this support. The White Paper, "Justice for All" included a proposal to extend specialist support for road traffic victims. Pilot projects are currently being set up to test the most effective ways of providing support.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

109577; 404 c762-3W;404 c758-9W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Accidents Finance Families Home Office Victims Roads Victim support schemes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk