There are no timescales currently provided in relation to the Scheme. The intention is to deal with all survivors as individuals rather than push claims through a process.

In the first instance the Scheme will run for 5 years. This is to be reviewed part way through the process, so it may be extended.

Yes, a claim can still be made if the perpetrator has since died.

The Church of England Redress Scheme is a Scheme for survivors of Church-related abuse. The Scheme is intended as a demonstration of regret and a practical way in which the Church can acknowledge it past failings relating to safeguarding.

The Scheme will consider sexual abuse, physical abuse, spiritual abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect or maltreatment.

There is currently no fixed start date for the scheme. The framework for the Scheme has been approved through Parliament, as of December 2025. The Rules for the Scheme have not yet been published and still need to go through parliamentary process.

Anyone who has suffered Church-related abuse can apply. The specific rules of the Scheme are yet to be published, however anyone who has experienced abuse related immediately to the Church, or as a result of the Church failing to act when they could have done to prevent abuse should consider applying.

The Scheme is a response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

Yes - The National Framework for Continuing Healthcare encourages a person-centred approach, which requires the NHS to take into consideration what the individual (and/or their family members) say about their needs.

Yes. If you believe your relative should have been eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, you can request a retrospective review on behalf of their estate. This could result in care fees being refunded if the NHS determines that the person should have been funded.

Yes, but many people find the process confusing. Our legal support gives you the best chance of success and helps avoid mistakes or missed opportunities that could delay or weaken your case.

If the patient has the necessary mental capacity to make the application themselves then they may do so, with or without the support of others.

If the patient lacks mental capacity to apply, then you may apply for them. However, the information you can access and the steps you are able to take may be limited if you do not hold formal legal authority to act for the patient. If the patient is alive and has made Lasting Powers of Attorney for Finance and/or for Health and Welfare, then this will be their attorneys. Where there are no attorneys, the Court of Protection may appoint a deputy.

If the patient has passed away, then those with authority to act on behalf of their estate are the executors of their Will, or the administrators of their estate if they died without leaving a Will.

Yes. If you're the executor or administrator of the estate, you can start a retrospective claim. We can help you collect the right documents and submit the request.

Yes. CHC funding can be awarded at any stage, even if care has been ongoing for months or years. If you believe CHC funding has already been assessed at some stage, reconsideration may now be warranted. Speak to us if you’re not sure.

Yes, but many families feel unsure how to argue their case. Winston Solicitors offer support either way from one-off written submissions to full representation at appeal panels.

In many cases, yes. We assess each claim individually. If your case qualifies, there’s nothing to pay unless we succeed.

Yes, it’s advisable. In England, you can only claim for care provided after 1 April 2012. The Department of Health and Social Care may announce another close-down for periods of care after this in the future. Care home records can go missing or be destroyed in time, which will harm your case. It's best to act promptly.

No – the individual’s illnesses and medical conditions are relevant but do not determine eligibility. What is important is the needs which arise from the individual’s health problems and the level of care and skill required to meet those needs. So, for example, a person with dementia may be eligible for CHC, but it is not the dementia diagnosis that makes the individual eligible – it’s the mental and physical health needs which arise from that dementia (such as cognitive impairment, or immobility) that are taken into account. Each case is different because each person’s needs are different.

Yes, we can represent you during the full assessment, help you prepare, and speak on your behalf if needed.

Start by reviewing the outcome letter and DST from your local ICB. You can send a written appeal to challenge the decision and we can help prepare that for you or represent you directly.

You can ask a professional, such as a nurse or social worker, to complete the NHS Checklist screening tool to start the process, or you can contact the Integrated Care Board directly to request an assessment.

Eligibility is based on the level of care needed, not finances. If their care is complex, intense, or unpredictable, they may qualify. We can help you assess this.

We'll assess your situation and provide you with a clear fee estimate for the work involved, tailored to your circumstances. You only pay for the time we spend.

You normally have six months from the date of the decision letter to request a review. However, in some cases, late appeals may still be accepted if there is a valid reason for the delay. Check your decision letter in case of a shorter timescale being imposed.