He is concerned that the Historic Abuse Redress Scheme, which was announced by the Chief Minister in March and which made up to £60,000 available for each victim, is not ‘transparent’.
He says there have been allegations that the ‘goalposts are being moved’ and that some victims will not get compensation.
Deputy Higgins wants the scheme to be kept open past its closing date of 30 September and any payments that have already been made to be considered interim payments which could be increased but not decreased, following any debate. In a proposition lodged with the States, the Deputy asks the Chief Minister to lodge a report and proposition within 90 days setting out for approval by the Assembly the maximum and minimum levels of compensation, the criteria used to determine the levels of compensation to be paid, and any other relevant information regarding the operation of the scheme or any rules associated with it.
Full story in Monday’s JEP
