Idrees Rashid, from Middlesbrough-based community interest group BME Network, said the compensation scheme had been well publicized in the town.

He also said voluntary organizations had a “proactive role”, with people going “door to door to talk to residents affected by the disorder”.

Cleveland PCC said some affected by the riots could have received money from their insurance and therefore not needed the compensation scheme, while Northumbria PCC said some of the claims received from Sunderland were in the name of “several occupants”.

He also said he used the media to publicize the scheme.

Both organizations said people can still apply for the scheme if they think they qualify.