Debate contribution: Victims’ Payments Board: Oversight

Debate contribution by Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly on 5 October 2026.

MLA: Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 5 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Victims’ Payments Board: Oversight
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5774150

Text

Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will answer questions 2 and 5 together. Since opening in August 2021, the scheme has received 16,323 applications and paid over £162 million, providing important recognition of the harm suffered. Although the scheme has closed to new applications, the president can consider late applications where there has been a material change in circumstances or, in exceptional cases, where it is equitable to do so. The Victims’ Payments Board remains in place to determine outstanding applications and appeals and continues to adopt a victim-centred, trauma-informed approach, recognising the challenges that applicants may face when recounting traumatic experiences. The board regularly engages with victims organisations and representative groups to ensure that victims' views continue to inform its work. To support applications, TEO has provided over £13 million for welfare officers and support staff in victims and survivors organisations, through the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS), to assist with the process and provide additional health and well-being services. That funding will continue alongside investment to improve efficiency and enhance applicant support.

174 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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