MSPs agree to general principles of Damages Bill

Ash Denham

Under the bill, a new method of setting the discount rate used in determining long-term future awards of damages would be introduced.

It would also enable a court to award damages as periodical payments instead of a lump sum.

Community safety minister Ash Denham said: “The bill seeks to remove the exercise of determining the rate from the political arena, where there is the potential of pressure from external interests to attempt to influence the outcome.

“The review of the discount rate will be firmly focused on ensuring that those who have suffered loss and are awarded damages for future pecuniary loss receive the full compensation, neither more nor less. That should provide fairness to all parties that are involved.”