Forty-five insurance claims have yet to be paid for damage done to homes and businesses during the Croydon riots.

As the second anniversary of the riots approaches, Stephen Greenhalgh, London deputy mayor for policing, met some of the residents and business owners today in West Croydon and London Road, who were worst affected by the disorder.

Following the meeting Mr Greenhalgh, along with Croydon Council Leader Mike Fisher and London Assembly member Steve O'Connell, had a private meeting with representatives from the Association of British Insurers and from insurance company Aviva.

During the meeting which was described as "robust" by Mr Greenhalgh, the politicians called on the insurers to resolve the outstanding claims as quickly as possible.

Mr Greenhalgh said it was "unacceptable" some claims were still in dispute nearly two years later; and said in some cases interim payments had been made and in other cases, some are waiting for proof of payment.

He added he and Coun Fisher had asked the insurers to clarify within a week, how many claims fell into each category, in addition to the steps that can be taken to accelerate resolution.

Mr Greenhalgh said: "I do think two years after a riot where there are not reasonable grounds for something being in dispute we should name and shame insurers who have not done their duty.

"The industry is regulated. small businesses have the right to go to the financial ombudsman. We will do our bit to shine a light on that, we cannot have unscrupulous insurers not paying out when there is no basis for them not paying out."

It is understood there are 225 outstanding insurance claims from the riots across London. All claims made by victims without insurance that went straight to the police under the Riot Damages Act have been resolved.

 

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