Chamber and committees

Applicants are asked if they are terminally ill on the application form and, if confirmed, these applications are considered priority 1 applications and are prioritised at all stages of the redress process.

Redress Scotland make a determination on a priority 1 application within six weeks of receipt. Prioritisation of applications to be determined is a matter for the Chair of Redress Scotland, as set out in the Redress for Survivors (Historical Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021).

I refer the member to the answer to question S7W-01113 on 15 July 2026. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers.

The official statistics, available at Scotland's Redress Scheme Statistics December 2021 - June 2025 - gov.scot provide information on applications, outcomes and payments made in the first 42 months of Scotland's Redress Scheme.

The Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021 places a duty on the Scottish Ministers to pay legal fees reasonably incurred by applicants to the redress scheme. Fees for legal work undertaken are prescribed in the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Payment of Legal Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.

Where unexpected or exceptional circumstances arise, and it is reasonable for a solicitor to carry out additional legal work in making a redress application, the solicitor may seek an additional sum.

No assessment has been made of public attitudes towards the maceration of live male chicks.

In line with data protection requirements, applications from multiple individuals within family groups are received and considered individually. Family members can request to have the same redress case worker assigned to their application. With consent from all parties, information relating to family members’ applications can be shared for consideration by Redress Scotland panel members.

The official statistics, available at Scotland's Redress Scheme Statistics December 2021 - June 2025, provide information on applications, outcomes and payments made in the first 42 months of Scotland's Redress Scheme.

While these do not include information specifically about the allocation of applications to case workers, we recognise that many applicants are waiting too long for their applications to be progressed and an outcome to be determined.

Each application for Redress is unique. Applications progress at differing rates depending on how complete they are when submitted, the availability of information, evidence and records, and the extent of verification checks required. It is not possible to provide a timescale from receipt of an application through to receipt of payment and apology, given the unique nature of applications.

The Scottish Government is committed to minimising wait times for applicants as much as possible. Case worker recruitment is under way and I am meeting with the Scottish Government case work team and the Chair of Redress Scotland to discuss further options for the operation of the scheme.

There are currently 25 redress case workers employed by the Scottish Government. Case workers are responsible for communicating with applicants throughout the application process and assisting applicants to complete applications. Case workers can refer applicants to the Redress Support Service who provide support to complete the application, obtain records and non-specialist emotional support.

The 2026-2027 Scottish Budget includes an increase in funding for the Scottish Government Redress Division. This will allow for the recruitment of additional caseworkers and an increase in operational capacity. Recruitment of 8 additional case workers is underway, with 3 already appointed and due to start with the Redress Division by 27 July 2026. A further 10 contingent workers are being recruited to assist with case work functions.

When the ongoing recruitment is completed, the total number of operational staff will be the highest the Scheme has ever had.

Applications progress at differing rates depending on how complete they are when submitted, the availability of information, evidence and records, and the extent of verification checks required.

Applicants can pause their application at any time and some applicants disengage from the process for a period of time then later return.

The official statistics, available at Scotland's Redress Scheme Statistics December 2021 - June 2025, provide information on applications, outcomes and payments made in the first 42 months of Scotland's Redress Scheme.

Redress Scotland currently has 53 appointed panel members.

Recruitment activity is ongoing to further expand this capacity, with an additional 15 to 20 panel members expected to be recommended to Scottish Ministers for appointment over the period July to August 2026. This reflects a continued effort to ensure that Redress Scotland has sufficient resource to manage increased demand and support the timely progression of applications.