THE decision on how the full costs of the disturbances will be met rests with Home Secretary David Blunkett.

Lancashire Constabulary's Chief Constable Pauline Clare and the Chairman of the Police Authority Dr Ruth Henig are seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Blunkett to discuss the financial implications for Lancashire's taxpayers.

Both have warned that unless the Home Office can be persuaded to meet the cost of the policing operations and claims from insurance companies, it will be up to us the taxpayer to foot the bill.

Several private insurance companies have made representations to Lancashire Constabulary arguing that claims from their clients should be met from the public purse.

The refusal of the police and the relevant authorities to refer to the events in June as "riots" rather than the preferred "serious disturbances" means that under the Riot(Damages) Act 1886, insurance companies would not be able to seek payment from the public.

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurance said: "I think the point is that insurers are simply following guidelines.

"Insurers are entitled to seek recourse with the police under the Riot (Damages) Act and will seek to pursue it wherever they can. A refusal to pay out will put pressure on insurers premiums.

"From our point of view, people who take out insurance policies expect their premiums to be kept to a minimum.

"With costs incurred during events like riots, where damage is malicious, we would not be able to offer low cost insurance across the board."

The insurers are standing by their claims from the public, which means that if they are successful we will all be paying more council tax next year, and there could be fewer police officers walking our streets.

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