Purpose and Effect
The Damages Act 1996 makes provision in relation to damages for personal injury, including provision for structured settlements. It also provides for Ministers of the Crown to guarantee payments for public sector settlements to be made by bodies which are designated in relation to their department by guidelines agreed between that department and the Treasury.
The amendment would enable the Scottish Ministers to designate bodies in relation to the Scottish Administration, without a requirement to follow guidelines agreed with the Treasury. Any liabilities arising from guarantees provided by the Scottish Ministers should fall on the Scottish Consolidated Fund.