Victims ‘failed’ as support for major tragedies like Grenfell not enough, critics say

Plans to give eyewitnesses of major tragedies such as the Manchester bombing more victim support have been criticised for not going far enough.

Ministers announced that people who witness a homicide or a tragedy such as the Grenfell Tower fire will have access to support.

It is an expansion from current eligibility rules which mean only people who have been bereaved through murder or manslaughter can access the service, which is run for the Government by charity Victim Support.

The “Homicide Service” delivers things such as bereavement and trauma counselling, or transport to and from court during trials.

It will also be expanded to children and young people in the community after a major incident or local murder that impacts them directly such as a teacher, pupil or religious leader.

However Labour said the plans did not go far enough and that victims “have been left out to dry” under the Tories.

Currently the government gives £4.6million to Victim Support every year – this is now being raised to £5.27million.

Labour has pledged £30million of funding to create a “Hillsborough Law” where victims and their families would be entitled to legal aid for representation in courts.

The party has said new laws guaranteeing legal advocates for victims of disasters such as the Grenfell fire would be a “priority” for a Labour Government.

The plan is backed by survivors of the Hillsborough tragedy, in which 97 Liverpool fans died in a fatal crush at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.

Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed said: “Victims have been left out to dry under this Conservative government.

“Labour stands unequivocally with the families and survivors of Hillsborough, Grenfell and Manchester. We must do everything within our power to prevent tragedies like this ever happening again.

“Victims have repeatedly called for the Hillsborough Law, to ensure that victims of major tragedies get the same legal representation as the authorities that failed them. The government has failed to provide this parity, only Labour will deliver it.”

Head of the National Homicide Service at Victim Support Ellen Milazzo said: “We set up the service in 2010 and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.

“Expanding it to include support for direct eyewitnesses to homicide or a major criminal incident where a person is killed, alongside enhanced support for children and young people, is a brilliant step.

“These changes will enable us to deliver the best possible service for victims and ensure everyone impacted by homicide gets the help they need.”

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said: “The Homicide Service provides vital support to the families of victims under the worst of circumstances – ensuring they have the emotional and practical help they need to cope with their loss.

“By expanding the service to include eyewitnesses and bereaved families of major incidents across England and Wales thousands more people will be able to access the support they need as early as possible.”

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