Government Boosts Compensation for Infected Blood Scandal Victims
The UK government has allocated an extra £1bn to enhance compensation payments for individuals affected by the infected blood scandal, a major treatment disaster in NHS history. Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds announced the funding increase in response to a public consultation on the controversial scheme.
Increased Payments for Unethical Research Victims
Among the key changes, former pupils at Treloar's College in Hampshire, a specialist school for haemophiliacs, will receive an additional £35,000 each, raising their total award to £60,000. This addresses complaints from those who were experimented on at school without their knowledge during the 1970s and 80s. The government has also introduced new unethical research awards for other affected groups, such as £45,000 for those treated elsewhere for bleeding disorders in childhood and £30,000 for adults, tripling the previous amount.
Background and Controversy
The infected blood scandal, which involved over 30,000 people in the UK receiving treatments contaminated with HIV, hepatitis C, or hepatitis B before 1996, has led to more than 3,000 deaths. The final report of the public inquiry was published in May 2024, but the compensation scheme has faced criticism for delays, complex application processes, and inadequate payments. The total compensation pot was set at £11.8bn in the 2024 autumn budget, with the new changes estimated to cost £1bn.
Reactions from Campaigners and Victims
Gary Webster, a survivor infected with HIV and hepatitis C at Treloar's, welcomed the increases but questioned whether £60,000 is sufficient, noting that over 80 of the 122 haemophiliac boys from the college have died. Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson, highlighted ongoing concerns that the scheme does not go far enough. Kate Burt of the Haemophilia Society expressed disappointment that the impact of harsh hepatitis C treatments was not fully recognised, while a Hepatitis C Trust spokesperson described the changes as minor and potentially disappointing for the community.
Additional Compensation Measures
Thomas-Symonds detailed further enhancements, including a £60,000 lump sum for infected people whose career progress was impeded by their infection, on top of core awards. Core injury awards will also increase for bereaved parents, partners, children, and siblings affected under age 18. As of 7 April 2024, 3,273 compensation offers totalling over £2.6bn have been made, with 3,161 acceptances.
The government emphasises that no amount of money can fully compensate for the suffering, but hopes these adjustments demonstrate commitment to supporting the infected blood community.
