Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry costs approach £2 million

The cost of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry which has become mired in controversy since its launch last year has already reached £1.8 million.

Following the resignation of chairperson Susan O’Brien QC and panel member Professor Michael Lamb — who both complained of excessive Government interference - the inquiry has released updated figures for costs on its website.

A statement on the website states: “Scottish ministers are in the process of appointing a new chair and panel member for the inquiry. Meanwhile, the important work of the inquiry continues as it seeks to fulfil the requirements outlined in its terms of reference.”

Spending has risen by £687,044 to £1,800,861 since March, when the inquiry launched a call for evidence, the statement from the inquiry said.

“Since then, the inquiry has been in contact with around 170 survivors of abuse. Private sessions with these survivors have started. The sessions are taking place across Scotland and the UK, and are being prioritised according to the individual needs of survivors.”

The inquiry has also granted core participant status, and funding for legal representation, for two groups of child abuse survivors - INCAS (In Care Abuse Survivors) and FBGA (Former Boys and Girls Abused of Quarriers Homes).

The inquiry also said it had taken a “significant step” towards creating a public record of abuse, by commissioning Professor Lorraine Radford of the University of Central Lancashire, to undertake a review of evidence of the prevalence of child abuse in Scotland.

This will focus on the abuse of children in residential and foster care and a report on the findings is expected by the end of this year.

The statement said discussions have also been held with a range of organisations, including Police Scotland, local authorities and health boards about the preservation and recovery of relevant records, which will be requested in the coming months.