Charities to gain funds for three years

and neglect “within an institution or care setting or involving a person of public prominence”.

The force said: “As such, Police Scotland is of the opinion that the reference point is a conservative estimate and the impact on the Scottish courts may be more significant that suggested in the financial memorandum. Police Scotland would suggest that there is opportunity to further scope the bill’s financial impact.”

The submission said the legislation was likely to have “significant resource (human and financial) implications” for the force and a “far-reaching impact” on individuals, groups and organisations.

The concern was echoed by the Association of British Insurers, which said the 2,200 claims estimate “fails to take into account the potential effect of the bill in encouraging more cases to be brought or of previously heard cases to be resurrected.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Having listened to the views of survivors, we are legislating to remove the time bar preventing civil action to be taken after the limitation period has expired.

“Cases would only proceed to court on the basis of robust and compelling evidence.

“We will carefully consider all of the submissions to the committee.” Charities dedicated to helping abuse survivors and victims of rape are to be given funding from the Scottish Government on a three-year basis in future.

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance announced the move, which she said would provide “greater clarity and reassurance” for organisations working in the area.

From July 2017, funding awards from the Scottish Government’s equalities budget will be made on a threeyear basis, instead of cash being provided for 12 months only.

Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland both welcomed the move.