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Infected Blood Compensation Scheme 2025-02-13
13 February 2025
Lead MP
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Defence
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Nick Thomas-Symonds raised concerns about infected blood compensation scheme 2025-02-13 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Government has established the infected blood compensation scheme to provide tariff-based compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) has been making payments since last year, with over £1 billion in interim compensation paid so far. The draft Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025 will further consolidate and simplify these regulations, allowing IBCA to make core and supplementary route payments to eligible individuals.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
The Minister's thorough statement is acknowledged with appreciation. No additional comments or criticisms are provided in the given transcript.
Eltham
Echos support for cross-party cooperation and praises predecessor's efforts in pushing forward legislation. Expresses impatience for quicker progress in compensating victims, emphasises the need for clear communication about regulations and processing times. Acknowledges £11.8 billion funding allocation and assures that complex individual cases will be addressed through supplemental routes.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Welcomes progress made by the Government, specifically praising the securing of £11.8 billion in funding for compensation. Criticises delay in setting up the compensation process after Sir Brian Langstaff's final recommendations. Stresses need for flexibility in tariffs to address concerns among hepatitis C sufferers and those who underwent unethical testing.
Chelmsford
Acknowledges the introduction of legislation but expresses concern over the slow pace of compensation delivery, urging mechanisms to ensure victims' voices are heard. Calls for a timeline for full compensation and introduces the idea of a duty of candour on public officials.
Cardiff West
Focuses on ensuring that all payments are made promptly to victims and their families, citing specific concerns from a constituent who fears long delays in compensation. Seeks assurance of government's commitment to expediting the process.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Highlights the need for learning from past institutional failures in compensating victims of scandals, referencing a National Audit Office report that recommends reviewing central approaches to compensation schemes for efficiency. Calls for timely implementation of lessons learned.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about the capacity of the scheme to cope with potential applicants and for assurances that all families will receive recognition and restitution. The Minister responded by confirming ongoing efforts to ensure scalability and capacity, acknowledging concerns over current low contact rates.
West Dunbartonshire
Inquired about support for his constituent Fiona, who was infected but not entitled to compensation due to medical record issues. The Minister offered to review the case and provide guidance on claim-making.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Questioned about speed, flexibility in compensation amounts, professional support for victims signing agreements, and published tariff details. The Minister clarified that tariffs exist but vary based on case severity and complexity.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Concerned about the slow pace of compensation delivery and requested information on how many victims will be invited to apply in 2025. The Minister provided updates on process timelines and payment options, including lump sum payments.
North East Fife
Raised concerns over evidential standards for claimants, particularly medical records, and Australia antigen understanding by case managers. The Minister acknowledged the issues but highlighted an enabling culture at IBCA to assist victims.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Asked about cooperation with Scotland for driving forward compensation schemes, expressing concerns over speed. The Minister assured ongoing collaboration with devolved Administrations on implementation.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Called for accelerated pace in claims processing and funding support for voluntary organisations, citing fears over delays affecting many victims. The Minister responded by confirming steps towards scaling up staff and looking into statutory funding for voluntary support.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
Asked about inheritance tax implications on compensation payments passed to children, seeking a solution in these cases. No specific Minister response is provided in the given text.
Edinburgh West
Expressed gratitude for the Paymaster General's statement and commitment, highlighted concerns about speed of compensation and best practice. Requested updates on how the Government plans to examine best practices and ensure future victims do not have to wait as long.
Expressed sympathy for Christine Jardine's family friend who died without receiving compensation. Stated commitment to share best practice and update the House regularly on progress, including updates via a newsletter from IBCA.
Government Response
In May 2024, the Government accepted all recommendations from the infected blood inquiry report. The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025 will provide IBCA with the necessary powers to begin making compensation payments to eligible individuals by the end of this year. These regulations are subject to parliamentary approval and will ensure that compensation is provided as swiftly as possible. Offers assurances on cross-party support and acknowledges the importance of speed in compensating victims. Announces the allocation of £11.8 billion towards compensation and commits to introducing legislation on a duty of candour before 15 April. Acknowledges the need for learning best practices from previous compensation schemes. Responded to multiple MPs with detailed information about scaling capacity, flexibility of compensation amounts, evidential standards for claims, inter-governmental cooperation, and efforts towards accelerating claim processing. Offered specific support such as legal aid and financial assistance for victims. Expressed sympathy for Christine Jardine's family friend who died without receiving compensation. Stated commitment to share best practice and update the House regularly on progress, including updates via a newsletter from IBCA.
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