The Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill aims to provide tangible recognition of the harm caused to those who were abused as children in relevant residential care settings before 1 December 2004.

The bill will establish a new independent body, Redress Scotland, to assess applications for financial redress. There will be two types of redress: a fixed-rate redress payment of £10,000, or an individually assessed redress which will involve a more detailed examination of an individual’s experience but allows a payment of £20,000, £40,000 or £80,000.

The proposed scheme would aim to deal with victims in a sensitive manner and provide a faster alternative to the civil court process.

In some circumstances, next of kin of deceased victims will be able to apply for a redress payment of £10,000.

Financial contributions are being sought by the Scottish government from those involved in the care of children at the time they were abused.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “For decades, many children were failed by the institutions and people entrusted to look after them. Financial redress is an important part of doing what we can to address these failings.

“The Redress for Survivors Bill will acknowledge and provide tangible recognition of harm as a result of historical child abuse in various residential care settings in Scotland. It will provide elements of accountability, justice and financial redress for those who wish to access it. The bill seeks to put in place a scheme which treats survivors with dignity and respect and which faces up to the past with compassion.

“Survivors of historical abuse in care have campaigned with dedication and perseverance for access to justice, improved accountability, and redress. They deserve to be listened to, heard and believed. This bill is a tribute to their courage, determination and perseverance to ensure others never have to experience what they did.”