Smith welcomes MacAskill’s support for murder fund

17/1/08

Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary Margaret Smith has welcomed the response from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill to calls for a fund to cover the cost of cleaning up homes after a murder.

Mr MacAskill has written to Mrs Smith explaining that the Government will consider what can be done to help families in the aftermath of a distressing incident such as murder. The Justice Minister has also asked officials to meet with COSLA and Victim Support organisations to consider the options available after Mrs Smith’s recent press coverage and parliamentary motion on the issue.

Commenting on this development, Mrs Smith said:

“I am glad that the Cabinet Secretary has taken on board my concerns, which are echoed by Victim Support Scotland and thousands of ordinary Scots who have expressed their support for my proposal. I was also pleased to see that MSPs of all parties are supporting my calls for a murder clear up fund.

"I hope that Mr MacAskill and his officials will now move swiftly and establish what is a fairly straightforward scheme.

“A murder clear up fund would be relatively inexpensive to the Government and a real help to families who are still coming to terms with the grief of losing a loved one in such traumatic circumstances.”