New Zealand

Govt pays out $5.5m in fast-track claims

19:48 pm on 14 July 2015

The Government has paid out more than $5.5 million in a fast-track offer to settle historic claims of abuse in state care.

Photo: 123RF

In February, the Social Development Ministry gave people with unresolved claims the option of a faster settlement or continuing with the normal process, in order to clear a backlog.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley said 81 percent of historic claimants who had taken up the offer have settled their claim.

She said 307 payments had been made, totalling $5,779,000.

Mrs Tolley said the ministry was still confirming contact details for a small number of claimants so that fast-track offers could be made to them.