Infected Blood Compensation Scheme 2025-10-30

The Government are responding positively to the recommendations made by the infected blood inquiry and will bring forward legislation as soon as possible. The regulations laid before the House remove several barriers to compensation, expand eligibility, and ensure phased support scheme payments. A public consultation on proposed changes to the compensation scheme has been launched, seeking feedback from stakeholders across seven specific issues. IBCA has made significant progress in delivering compensation, with 2,476 people receiving offers of £1.35 billion in total. Interim payments for estates of infected persons have also seen over 600 estates receive payments totalling £60 million.

The Opposition welcomes the measures announced by the Minister, particularly those dealing with HIV eligibility start dates, deeming of severity bands, evidence of diagnosis date, affected estates, and bereaved partner support scheme payments. However, more clarity is needed on recommendations regarding effective treatment for hepatitis and transparency in scheme design. The consultation period will last until January next year, after which the Government should respond swiftly to implement necessary changes. Questions raised about ensuring the pace of payments continues to accelerate and not be jeopardised by rule changes.

Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General acknowledges the work of Sir Brian Langstaff's inquiry, outlines progress in the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, and commits to scaling up payments. He addresses concerns raised by shadow minister about timely access to documentation and transparency mechanisms.

Shadow Minister raises issues regarding the tax exemption for compensation payments and support for campaigning groups involved in the scheme. He asks for assistance from the Department of Health and Social Care to address these concerns.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson criticises delays in compensation payments, seeks clarification on timelines, and questions about special category mechanisms affecting 916 victims. She emphasises the importance of timely justice for all eligible victims.

Labour MP seeks confirmation that hepatitis C sufferers will have access to the consultation process as recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff and inquires about the timeline for the Government's response to the consultation.

Conservative MP commends IBCA's communications, points out an anomaly with inheritance tax on compensation payments made shortly before death and asks Minister to speak to Treasury about it.

Thanked the Minister for his statement. Raised concerns about tax exemptions, learning from National Audit Office's work on compensation schemes, and urged support for a national campaign to encourage testing for hepatitis C among those who received blood transfusions.

Praised the Minister for his thorough analysis but questioned the pace of policy stability after six years and £140 million spent, calling for a focus on delivery rather than further iterations of recommendations.

Congratulated the Minister and raised concerns about tax exemptions potentially penalising victims. Demanded assurance from the Minister that he will raise this issue with Treasury again to make it fair for those who were failed by the state.

Congratulated the Minister on progress made but asked for urgent payments expedited and additional resources put in place for deceased estates. Highlighted a constituent's prolonged struggle with the compensation process.

Thanked the Minister and raised concerns about repeated form-filling requirements despite previous applications, stressing the need to expedite the process for older claimants worried about inheritance tax implications for their children.

Complimented the Minister's approach and collaboration with devolved Administrations, enquired about statutory footing for voluntary organisations to support claimants, and underlined the importance of straightforward process.

Expressed concern over lengthy delays and uncertainties regarding when third set of regulations will become law. Urged accessibility of consultation process for affected communities.

Acknowledged the Minister's compassionate approach but queried if new streamlined scheme reduces stress for claimants and sought assurances on smoother processes moving forward.

Praised the Minister’s commitment to compensation scheme, inquired about Government's assurance that all affected individuals will receive their compensation promptly and when they can start claims.

The Minister emphasised the importance of increasing the speed of progress in the compensation process, noting that over £1.8 billion worth of offers have been made and over 10,000 claims registered. He also mentioned Sir Tyrone Urch's role in scaling up IBCA to deal with a larger number of affected individuals.

Mr. Cooper acknowledged the Minister’s personal commitment and highlighted the importance of transparency, requesting that regular data on claims received, assessed and paid be published to maintain trust with affected families.

Mr. Stainbank welcomed the Minister's statement and asked for assurances that actions set out will reflect feedback from victims, emphasising the need to streamline systems to improve the pace of delivery.

Mr. Lewin discussed the case of the Blake family, who have been seeking reassurance about the urgency with which compensation payments are being brought forward, and expressed hope that the Government would commit to resolving such cases as soon as possible.

Mr. Naish inquired about steps taken by the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure funding allocated to charities is utilized effectively for processing applications quickly, emphasising the role these charities have played in supporting victims.

Mr. Sewards reported on a constituent's full compensation and expressed concern about prioritising claims of those nearing end-of-life stages to ensure they receive justice before their passing.