Arson convictions

The 2011 SNAP survey highlighted that 40% of direct access hostels had denied someone access to their hostel in the last year because they have a history of arson. Similarly, 27% of 2nd stage accommodation projects also denied access for this reason.

In discussions with organisations that have blanket bans in place for this, most were unwilling to look into the circumstances behind the conviction or the time lapsed, with the reasoning behind the exclusion being based on the potential for continued arson. This was especially the case in larger hostels where the feeling was that if a fire did occur, then evacuation would take longer and would be more difficult therefore putting more people at risk.

Myth: Arsonists cannot be accommodated because of criteria in insurance policies

While many organisations referenced the criteria of their insurance as a reason for not allowing ‘arsonists’ into their service, it is vary rare for insurance policies to have a specific condition that excludes those that have committed arson in the past. Most insurance policies state that staff must take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent arson when accommodating or offering other services to an individual with a known arson conviction or pending arson investigation. Most insurers do not define “reasonable” in this connection and therefore in the event of any claim relating to possible arson, insurers will make a judgement on the grounds of whether reasonable precautions had been taken and evidenced. A procedure that can be implemented in the case of a client with a history of arson that takes steps to monitor said client’s behaviour can be seen as a ’reasonable step’ towards this. If insurance does specifically state that ‘arsonists’ cannot be accommodated because of an increased risk, why not change the insurance provider?

The Shilhay Community’s Gabriel House in Exeter has worked to fulfill insurance criteria when accepting clients with a history of arson.

Further information

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