Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 11 March 2021.

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for consideration of applications, which is dealt with by my amendment 48. Lastly, amendment 51 would require redress Scotland to take account of and make clear the accessibility of evidence that individuals might have.

Overall, one of the key important elements of those amendments is that they provide clarity about the information that individuals will need in order to make an application. In its stage 1 report, the committee raised the issue of evidential requirements and burdens of proof. In many ways, I would have preferred provisions on those matters to have been set out clearly in the bill. However, the improved detail—on the requirements for the guidance and information that redress Scotland will have to provide and on the reporting on those matters—provides the required clarity and represents an important addition to the bill.

I move amendment 5A.