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