An Independent Public Advocate (IPA) for families who have lost loved ones in disasters is set to be established, the ECHO understands.
The ECHO understands the government intends to introduce an IPA to provide support and advice to victims and their loved ones following a public disaster. The proposal, which will formally be announced tomorrow, has been outlined in a letter from Dominic Raab, deputy prime minister and secretary of state for justice, addressed to Hillsborough families.
The letter, dated February 27 and seen by the ECHO, said: "In 2018, the government consulted on proposals for an IPA to provide support and advice for victims following a public disaster. The overwhelming majority of respondents supported the establishment of an IPA and we have carefully considered the responses in developing our policy. I am sorry it has taken so long to get to this point, and I am determined to set up the IPA as soon as possible."
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The ECHO understands the IPA will support victims by:
- Providing practical support for victims to help them navigate processes and understand their rights.
- Signpost victims towards appropriate support services.
- Provide victims with continuity by supporting each step of the incident right through to the conclusion of investigations, inquests or trials.
- Amplify the voices of victims by advocating on their behalf to public authorities and help promote effective communication.
- Produce reports after the inquest/inquiry proceedings have concluded to ensure lessons are leant.
Mr Raab said he has met with Bishop James Jones, who created the Hillsborough Families' report in 2017, as well as former prime minister Theresa May, and Lord Wills, who have all campaigned for an IPA.
Mr Raab said: "I believe it is important that I avoid any further unnecessary delay in case an IPA is needed to support victims of a disaster in the near future. We will be legislating as soon as parliamentary time allows to put the IPA on a statutory footing."
The justice secretary told the Hillsborough families: "I am determined that we should never again see families struggling, as you did in the many years that followed the Hillsborough disaster - often against the very system that was supposed to deliver answers."
Mr Raab added: "Finally, I would like to pay tribute to you for your courage and determination, despite every setback, and the dignified way in which you have fought to stop other families from enduring the same anguish. I know words come cheaply, which is why I wanted to let you know what action we are now taking."
Maria Eagle has also repeatedly called on a bill to be introduced that would help "right the wrongs" of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. 97 Liverpool supporters died as a result of a crush during the FA Cup semi-final.
The Garston and Halewood MP has long called on the government to introduce a bill that would see an independent representative appointed to disaster victims and their families. The Public Advocate (No 2) Bill has been brought in front of parliament 12 times since 2015 but the government has repeatedly objected it, most recently at the start of this month.
Speaking in response to Mr Raab's letter, Ms Eagle told the ECHO: "My Public Advocate Bill blocked 12 times in the Commons would create a public advocate independent of government. Crucially, it would give bereaved families the right to involve the advocate if they wish, giving families agency in the search for the truth of what happened.
"The advocate would have the powers of a data controller and could torpedo attempted cover-ups by public authorities by enforcing transparency in respect of any documentation they hold. The government proposal as set out in the letter to families appears to fall far short of that, being a signposting and assistance arrangement appointed by government with no powers of independent action.
"I will want to study the proposals carefully when they are announced tomorrow as it seems likely they may fall short of an arrangement that will work effectively."
Mr Raab offered to meet with Hillsborough families and welcomed their views on the policy. But Elkan Abrahamson, director of Hillsborough Law Now and a solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter, said engagement from the current government with Hillsborough families had been 'almost non-existent'.
He said: "We will be taking the justice secretary up on his offer to hear our views on the effective and independent development of this policy. Crucially, we will be reminding him of the many other recommendations which remain outstanding.
"We will be asking the justice secretary for the same commitment given to us by the Labour Party last year to reintroduce the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill. The bill, often referred to as the Hillsborough Law, would, amongst other things, create a legal duty of candour on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively cooperate with official investigations and inquiries.”
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