Early payments for some child abuse survivors - BBC News
John Swinney announces an Advanced Payment Scheme for childhood abuse victims over 70 or with a terminal illness.
That's all from Holyrood Live on Thursday 25 April 2019.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirmed the launch of an Advance Payment Scheme for those who were abused as a child in care in Scotland, and who have a terminal illness or are age 70 or over.

Mr Swinney confirmed the advanced scheme was now open for applications, with a telephone support line to open on Monday.

The payment will be an equal payment to all applicants who reach the eligibility criteria, with the level set at £10,000.

Earlier today the Public Petitions Committee heard from petitioner Maryanne Pugsley who is calling on the Scottish government to endorse a public inquiry into the abuse of children within Scottish state schools, faith or otherwise, including a review of the law of corroboration.

In a powerful evidence session Ms Pugsley told MSPs: "I was sexually and emotionally abused by a teacher in a state school in Scotland."

She called for the voice of victims to be heard and said including state schools in an inquiry must be a priority.