Cameron pledges to help riot-hit firms

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to help get riot-hit businesses get "back on their feet" through a package of measures, including business rate relief.

Businesses who have suffered damage will be able to claim compensation through the Riot Damages Act even if they are uninsured. The deadline for applying for compensation has been extended from 14 to 42 days (download compensation form​).

The Association of British Insurers estimates that there will be £200m worth of claims dealt with and has promised to do so "quickly" and "constructively".

"I give the people affected this promise — we will help you repair the damage, get your businesses back up and running and support your communities," he told the House of Commons.

The PM also unveiled a £20m High Street Support Scheme to help rebuild affected areas and promised to give local authorities the power to implement rate relief. The Government will cover three-quarters of the rates of those hit by the riots and will offer further tax relief under the Time to Pay scheme.

There will also be changes to planning regulations to allow shops and businesses to be able to use shutters to protect windows.

A £10m recovery scheme will be set up for councils to make areas safe and clean again, he also told MPs.

"This is a time for our country to pull together," said Cameron. "To the law abiding people who play by the rules, and who are the overwhelming majority in this country, I say the fightback has begun, we will protect you, if you've had your livelihood and property damaged, we will compensate you. We are on your side.

"And to the lawless minority, the criminals who've taken what they can get. I say: We will track you down, we will find you, we will charge you, we will punish you. You will pay for what you have done."

Premier League​

Meanwhile, it appears unlikely that the one Premier League football game that's set to be broadcast on Sky on Saturday will be postponed due to the riots.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said Tottenham's home game against Everton will be postponed, which is a blow to surrounding pubs and bars that benefit from match days. However, the match takes place during the Saturday afternoon "closed period" and was not going to be shown on Sky anyway.

Scudamore told the BBC he was "positive" the other nine games on Saturday would go ahead.

The only game outside of the closed period on Saturday, Newcastle against Arsenal, is unlikely to be called off because the match is to be held in Newcastle, where disturbances have not occurred.

"The very latest situation is that Tottenham and Everton has gone," Scudamore said.

"The police have done a fantastic job, but it's been a crime scene all week and the council have not had enough time to do what they need.

"The other nine fixtures are looking positive, subject to any more trouble. The Tottenham game is a real shame but we support the police in what they are doing."

Scudamore said he would have a "clearer picture" on the other games at 6pm today.