Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill
The Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill would introduce a redress scheme for some surivors of child abuse in Scotland. Survivors of child abuse in care will be able to apply for a fixed rate redress payment of £10,000, or an individually assessed redress payment depending on their circumstances. The Scottish Government has said it will seek financial contributions to the scheme from those organisations involved in the care of children at the time they were abused. To accept a payment, however, survivors would be required to a sign a waiver which would prevent them from pursing a separate civil claim against those organisations which will make financial contributions to the scheme.
To ask survivors of child abuse to waive their legal right to a claim for compensation is contrary to the Scottish Government's declared policy objective of increased support for survivors.
APIL has prrovided both written evidence and oral evidence to the Education and Skills Committee of the Scottish Parliament.
APIL's written evidence can be read here.
A transcript of oral evidence, in which APIL was represented by solicitor Kim Leslie, can be read here.
Liability for NHS Charges (Treatment of Industrial Disease) (Scotland) BIll
The Liability for NHS Charges (Treatment of Industrial Disease) (Scotland) Bill is a Members' Bill introduced by SNP MSP Stuart McMillan. The aim of the Bill is to allow the NHS in Scotland to recoup the cost of treating compensate industrial diseases.
In principle, APIL supports the aims of the Bill. APIL has, however, warned that the Bill will lead to delays in the settlement of industrial disease claims where multiple defenders wrangle over the compensation each should pay.
APIL has provided both written and oral evidence to the Health and Sport Committee of the Scottish Parliament.
APIL's written evidence can be read here.
A transcript of oral evidence, in which APIL was represented by APIL Scotland secretary David Short, can be read here.