§ Simon HughesTo 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 AinsworthThe 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 759W 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.