Partners of queer police officers who are injured or killed on duty will be eligible for benefits under new UK proposals.
The Home Office’s review of the police injury compensation scheme will see a major overhaul of the current system. Officers completely disabled on the job will receive five times their average pensionable salary, while those injured on their way to or from work will get nothing.
Other new measures include changing the current arrangement whereby survivor spouses stop receiving payments if they remarry or cohabit with a new partner. Financial benefits will also apply to unmarried straight partners.
"I am committed to ensuring we have an injury compensation system suitable for the challenges of modern day policing which recognises the demanding and sometimes dangerous roles that police officers carry out," said Home Office minister Tony McNulty.
"I hope the changes will provide peace of mind and assurances to police officers and their families, while ensuring the system is as effective as possible, administered consistently and targets help where it is needed most."