Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme

Wednesday 17 January 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The troubles permanent disablement payment scheme is a devolved matter delivered by the Victims' Payments Board
  • The Secretary of State met Judge McAlinden to discuss the operation of the scheme and aims to expedite payments for those who qualify
  • The review of the scheme will consider extending the deadline as part of its scope

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martin Docherty SNP
Northern Ireland Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about timely payments to eligible individuals under a specific scheme in Northern Ireland.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Administration in Northern Ireland on ensuring timely payments from the troubles permanent disablement payment scheme to eligible individuals?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The troubles permanent disablement payment scheme is a devolved matter delivered by the Victims' Payments Board. I met Judge McAlinden, the president of the board, last week to discuss those matters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or timelines for ensuring timely payments were not provided.

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Q2 Martin Docherty SNP
Northern Ireland
Context

Recent evidence shows it could take over a decade to process applications, delaying much-needed compensation.

Question

Can the Secretary of State advise what his Government are doing to deliver the compensation scheme given that according to recent evidence presented to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, it could take more than 10 years to process the applications?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Having met Judge McAlinden, I am conducting a review of the operation of the scheme which will report before August this year. The review is under way and aims to address these matters so that those who qualify for payments get them in a much more expedited way.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments or actions to ensure timely processing were not provided.

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Q3 Richard Thomson
Context

There is a risk that many eligible individuals might miss out due to delays in gathering evidence and pressures on the payments board.

Question

Given the risks of missing deadlines, will he consider extending the deadline as part of his review?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Yes, that is actually part of the review and one of the questions we are looking at.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to extend deadlines or timelines was given.

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