Infected Blood Compensation Scheme 2025-07-10
2025-07-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The infected blood inquiry published an additional report on compensation, prompting the government to work through recommendations.
What recent progress has been made on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme? I thank the Minister for his answer and for the response to yesterday's report. My constituent, a core participant in the inquiry, was recently invited to start their claim after waiting decades for justice. They have asked specifically when those affected, such as parents of infected individuals, will be invited to start their claims.
I understand that concern. My hon. Friend is a powerful voice for her constituent, and I welcome the news that they have started their claim. The Government expect IBCA to begin payments to those who are affected by the end of this year. We are taking steps to remove administrative barriers to allow IBCA to speed up payments.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific timeline for when parents and family members will be invited to start their claims, only stating that payments will begin by the end of the year.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister responsible for the design of the scheme is concerned about continued lack of clarity and certainty for those affected, despite efforts to ensure engagement with representatives.
I remain concerned that Sir Brian Langstaff has never asked me, as the Minister who was responsible for the design of the scheme, to account for the process that I adopted under the advice of civil servants. Does the Minister agree and what steps will he take to resolve these matters once and for all?
I pay tribute to the work of my predecessor as Paymaster General in this area. I will take an approach that listens to suggestions without causing further undue delay to victims who have already waited too long. I am urgently looking at recommendations with a view to action.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to taking specific steps to resolve issues, only stating he will listen to suggestions and take an approach without causing further delay.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Sir Brian Langstaff was critical of the engagement with the infected and affected community since the publication of his final report.
Does my right hon. Friend accept that a lot of damage has been done since the publication of Sir Brian's final report, as is exposed in yesterday's report? Will he say what he intends to do to improve relationships with the infected and the affected?
I am deeply sympathetic to the inquiry’s words on the involvement of the infected blood community. The Government are committed to providing fair compensation. Sir Brian said there is still more to be done to ensure that the detail and operation of the scheme matches up to its intent. I will urgently look at those recommendations with a view to action.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to specific actions for improving relationships, only stating sympathy for involvement issues and looking at recommendations.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent waiting decades for compensation due to the infected blood scandal and another due to being gay in the RAF, both suffering from trauma.
What parallels can the Minister draw when learning about those two compensation schemes, and how will we ensure that in future the administration of such schemes is smoother, swifter and a better experience for those who are impacted?
The hon. Lady speaks movingly about her constituents, Graham and Steve, who have had to wait decades for justice. We will look at what has worked well in previous compensation schemes and be honest about that and learn from it. For infected blood, IBCA is using a test-and-learn approach to allow us to speed up payments.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to specific improvements for future administration of compensation schemes, only stating a commitment to learning from previous schemes and speeding up payments.
Response accuracy