HC Deb 18 January 1999 vol 323 c338W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are made for compensation by single payment or pension for special constables injured in the course of their duties. [65751]

Mr. Boateng

Arrangements to compensate special constables who are injured on duty are contained in the Special Constables Regulations. In brief, a gratuity and a pension is payable in the event of:

  • death;
  • permanent disability leading to complete inability to work;
  • and
  • permanent disability leading to inability to continue ordinary employment

In addition, a special constable who loses remuneration from private employment in consequence of an injury is entitled to actual loss of pay for a maximum of 28 weeks.

Following recommendations made by the 1995–96 Special Constabulary Working Group, new regulations are currently being drafted which will extend the circumstances in which injured specials will qualify for compensation. These will be laid before Parliament later this year and we expect them to come into force on 1 July 1999.