The Commission for Victims and Survivors welcomes the published decision today by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (NI) to extend the current backdating period by two years (until August 2026) in the operation of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme (TPDPS).

In working with both individual victims and their families and with our sectoral partners, the Commission has been aware of the significant concern and anxiety relating directly to the original backdating deadline at the end of this month.  This timely decision by the new UK Government will come as a great relief and assurance to many victims and survivors in their decision to apply to the Scheme.    

As noted by the Secretary of State, thousands of individuals living across these islands and beyond developed permanent and enduring physical and psychological disablement during the Troubles/conflict. The Commission recognises the considerable work by the Victims Payment Board and other stakeholders in supporting individuals and their families who have already submitted applications to the Scheme. We also commend all those victims and survivors who have demonstrated great courage and strength in going through what can be an emotionally challenging application process.    

As a UK-wide scheme, it is imperative that as many victims and survivors living inside and outside Northern Ireland, including in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland are made aware of the TPDPS. On the back of this important and just decision today, it is incumbent upon us all to enhance awareness of the Scheme as widely as possible, thereby recognising the needs of all those permanently injured who are eligible to receive an acknowledgement payment.

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