Commentary on Sections Section 9: Assistance for individuals seeking redress under scheme
32.This section requires the Secretary of State to arrange, to such extent as he considers necessary, for the provision of assistance to individuals seeking redress, or intending to seek redress, under a scheme: this assistance may take the form of representation or some other form of assistance (subsection (1)). The section provides that the Secretary of State may make such other arrangements as he thinks fit for the provision of assistance to individuals in connection with cases which are the subject of proceedings under the scheme (subsection (2)). Where the Secretary of State makes arrangements under this section, he may make payments to any person in respect of those arrangements (subsection (3)), that is, he may fund the provision of the assistance provided under this section. In making any arrangements pursuant to this section, the Secretary of State is required to have regard to the principle that arrangements for the provision of assistance should, in so far as is practicable, be independent of any person to whose conduct the case relates or who is involved in dealing with the case (subsection (4)).