In the second of our series considering redress schemes for victims of abuse we consider the position in Scotland. There the Redress Scheme opened on the 8 December 2021 and is expected to remain open for five years.

It makes redress payments to people who were abused while in care as children before 1 December 2004, and some next of kin. Non-financial redress is also available including an apology and emotional support.

Up to the 30 June 2024, Redress Scotland has:

  • Received a total of 2,389 applications from the Scottish Government, 2,356 of which were directly related to redress applications. 
  • Volumes of applications received peaked in May 2024 when 147 applications were received in a month. There are indications from the Scottish Government that even higher levels of applications are expected through 2024-25.
  • Over 60% of applications received by Redress Scotland were for Individually Assessed applications.
  • 1,800 applications have been decided by Redress Scotland’s panels.
  • 40% of all Individually Assessed awards made by Redress Scotland have been Level 5 awards, which are £100,000.

The number of applications received continues to be higher than the current decision-making resources available to Redress Scotland, who are prioritising applications from those with terminal illnesses and those over 68 years of age. 

As of October 2024 the timescales for processing applications for received for Individually Assessed Payments are as follows:

  • applications received prior to July 2024, within eight months of being received
  • applications received after 1 July 2024, within 10-12 months of being received

Individually Assessed Payment applicants who have a terminal illness or who are aged over 68 would expect a panel to take place within six weeks of their application being received.

Fixed Payment and Next of Kin Payments are mostly being made within eight months of being received and any application that has been submitted for a Review or a Reconsideration, is being processed within two months of being received.

Victims and survivors complain that the payment scheme is plagued with delays and that they are poorly supported in terms of bringing an application for redress especially due to the limited nature of paid independent legal advice that they can access under the payment scheme.

On the other hand, Redress Scotland has sought to be open and transparent in terms of how they are trying to recruit more decision makers and staff, and have also tried to manage expectations with clear communication on time scales for completing applications.

As Redress Scotland faces into the final year of its expected five year term, there can be little doubt that its existing case load and process will come under increasing amounts of pressure.