London bombings payments hit 7m pounds
(Evening Standard)
Updated: 2006-03-14 13:57

Charity payouts to victims of the July 7 bombings have hit 锟斤拷7 million, it has been announced.

But anyone who has not yet contacted the London Bombing Relief Charitable Fund (LBRCF) still has until March 31.

After that date the Fund cannot guarantee awards to new applicants but it will treat applications "with compassion where there are exceptional circumstances, and within the funds it has available", a spokesman said.

Donations to the LBRCF have hit 锟斤拷9 million and are aimed at helping people financially rebuild their lives.

A bereaved spouse or partner is set to receive another 锟斤拷10,000 in this latest round, making a total of 锟斤拷55,000 in grants from the LBRCF.

The next-of-kin of someone who died, but who had no spouse or partner, is in line for 锟斤拷5,000 more, bringing their total from the Fund up to 锟斤拷40,000.

Previous grants were paid between July and November 2005.

The charity's chair of trustees Gerald Oppenheim said: "These grants represent the final slice of substantial help to the bereaved and the seriously injured. We are writing to each of the victims who were most seriously affected by the bombings enclosing their final payment from the Fund.

"Of course, our grants can never make up for what they have lost, but we know from the many letters of thanks we have received that the extra financial aid the LBRCF has given to the victims of 7/7 has been a help to them in dealing with their immediate needs and in starting to rebuild their lives."

Victims of last year's attacks also get Government compensation.