Interim Compensation for Infected Blood Scandal Victims

In October 2022 the UK government enacted an interim compensation program for some of those impacted by the infected blood scandal. This scheme awarded £100,000 to each living infected (or previously infected) individual and bereaved partner registered on the UK Infected Blood Support Schemes. It is imperative to note that the initial round of these payments was exclusively made to those who were infected and still alive, as well as to the bereaved partners of the infected individuals. This initial approach, while a significant acknowledgement, left a notable gap in addressing the full scope of the scandal's impact. As of March 2024, it remains the case that two-thirds of bereaved families have received no interim compensation, leaving 2,000 deaths unrecognised.

Learn more about our campaigning which led to these interim compensation payments.

The Plight of Excluded Bereaved Families

A critical aspect of this ongoing issue is the plight faced by bereaved families who have been excluded from the interim compensation. The profound injustice faced by these families is encapsulated in the absence of recognition for the loss and suffering they have endured. Bereaved parents, children and siblings of deceased victims have been left in a state of limbo, grappling with both their grief and financial hardship.

As things stand, if an infected person was not in a relationship when they died, no one in their bereaved family can claim interim compensation.

Of the 2,900 deaths attributable to infected blood and blood products, 900 bereaved partners have received an interim payment. This means there are 2,000 deaths which have not yet been recognised. (Data supplied by the Infected Blood Inquiry)

Emphasis on Recommendation 12

The significance of Recommendation 12 from the Infected Blood Inquiry's Second Interim Report, published in April 2023, cannot be overstated. This recommendation calls for urgent interim payments in respect of unrecognised deaths, with the ultimate beneficiaries of such payments including bereaved parents, children, and siblings of deceased victims. The failure of the government to implement this recommendation is causing additional psychological harm to bereaved families.

The recommendation is more than just a call for financial redress; it symbolises a much-needed acknowledgement of the broader spectrum of individuals affected by the scandal. The recommendation underscores the moral obligation to provide relief and recognition to all who have suffered as a result of contaminated blood products.

Legislative Developments and the Victims and Prisoners Bill

The legislative response to this issue is currently taking shape, with significant developments in the form of a proposed amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which is progressing through the House of Lords.

Baroness Brinton has tabled Recommendation 12 as a key amendment to this bill. The bill, which will begin Report Stage in the House of Lords in April 2024, could be a turning point in ensuring the government recognises all deaths through interim compensation payments.

These recent developments arose from a vote by the House of Commons, which took place on 4th December 2023, which decided that the victims and prisoners bill should include a new clause requiring the government to set up a body to administer compensation to victims of the infected blood scandal.

Next Steps and Ongoing Advocacy

The journey towards justice and compensation, as recommended by the Infected Blood Inquiry, is ongoing. The Infected Blood Inquiry will publish its final report on 20th May 2024.

Advocacy efforts continue to emphasise the need for an independent, comprehensive and inclusive compensation scheme that acknowledges the full extent of the scandal and provides due relief to all who have suffered.