Sir Chris Bryant declines to extend Troubles disability scheme

Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant has faced accusations of an ‘abdication of responsibility’ from the victims' rights group Relatives For Justice. The criticism follows his decision not to extend the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme (TPDPS), which provides financial support to those permanently disabled due to the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland.

In a letter to the group, Sir Chris stated that the scheme is scheduled to close to new applications on August 30, 2026, in accordance with the five-year window established by the Victims' Payments Regulations 2020. He noted that while he possesses the power to extend the deadline, he has not received a request to do so from the Northern Ireland Executive, which is responsible for the administration of the scheme.

Relatives For Justice argued that an extension is necessary because several individuals have yet to apply, including victims of sexual violence, paramilitary punishment attacks, and feuds. The scheme, administered by the Victims' Payments Board, has distributed over £150 million to date, with annual payments ranging from £2,494 to £12,471.