Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA said, “The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme provides financial support to individuals who are permanently disabled due to injuries sustained during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

“Although focused on the terrorist campaign in Northern Ireland, the scheme is open to all those affected by the Troubles throughout the United Kingdom and further afield. That would include those seriously and permanently disabled due to the Provisional IRA's indiscriminate bombing campaign in England and those members of the armed forces who served in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner. This permanent disablement includes psychological injury.

“However, I am concerned that the scheme has not been fully advertised to those who may be entitled to apply to the scheme in Great Britain. A recent question to the Executive Office shows that in the last 12 months, there have been 3,934 applications from Northern Ireland and just 178 applications from England, Scotland, and Wales.

“The Victims Payment Board has conducted an awareness campaign in England, Scotland and Wales, but these figures seem to show that it has not been as effective as they may have hoped. With the scheme set to close in August 2026, it is important that all those who are entitled to apply for this scheme have all the information required, but at a more basic level, they know the scheme exists. Therefore, I call on the Executive Office to double their efforts to ensure we reach as many people, entitled to apply for the scheme, as possible, particularly outside of Northern Ireland.”