The cost of the historical child abuse inquiry in Scotland has risen by £1 million over the past three months.
The inquiry has published updated details of how it will handle anonymity for witnesses and manage evidence, urging foster carers, health staff and children’s home workers to come forward, insisting they will be protected.
The update also shows that overall costs for the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry have risen to £3.5 million, with more than £1 million spent in the last three months of 2016.
Set up by the Scottish government in October 2015, the inquiry is expected to last four years. Lady Smith, the chairwoman, is expected to hold a preliminary hearing on January 31.
Campaigners believe that there are potentially thousands of survivors in Scotland and overseas who could provide evidence to the inquiry, although the number of those who have so far come forward has not been disclosed.
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The new guidance is aimed at encouraging witnesses to come forward to give evidence. A key passage says: “Witnesses will be anonymous. You may, for example, be a whistleblower . . . in such circumstances you may wish to apply for anonymity.”
The inquiry team is also calling for former care home staff, social workers, GPs and those involved in the running of care institutions to come forward if they have documents likely to be of interest.
The only individuals named are likely to be those who have already admitted to abuse or been convicted of abuse.
Witnesses will remain anonymous under a general restriction on publication of their names to protect them and their families from “the risk of harm” unless they consent to being identified.
Alan Draper, spokesman for the victims’ group In Care Abuse Survivors Scotland (Incas), said. “To offer protection for whistleblowers in this way is important.
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“We want people to help the inquiry and there is a danger that some, perhaps those currently working in establishments, could be intimidated by their current or former employer.
“We welcome any moves to get abuse survivors to come forward or anyone who can blow the whistle because they have witnessed abuse or appalling practices.”
The inquiry into child abuse in England and Wales, led by Alexis Jay, has been mired in controversy over leadership, duration and costs. Professor Jay is its fourth chairwoman in two years and a number of senior lawyers have quit or been removed. The inquiry has a budget of £17.9 million for its first year.