The Government has today announced that people affected by the infected blood scandal will receive interim compensation of £100,000 each.
People who were given hepatitis C and/or HIV and bereaved partners who are registered with any of the four UK infected blood support schemes will receive payment. The Government has said that it intends to make payments in England by the end of October. The same payments will be made in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and will be administered by the relevant devolved government in each nation.
The announcement by the Government follows a recommendation by Infected Blood Inquiry Chair Sir Brian Langstaff QC that interim compensation be paid, based on the Government-commissioned review of infected blood compensation options carried out by Sir Robert Francis QC.
Payments will be tax-free and will not affect any financial benefits support an individual is receiving. The Government announcement stated that advice to recipients on how exactly the interim payment will be made will be outlined to them shortly.
Rachel Halford, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: “This announcement of interim compensation is welcome, albeit long overdue. While so many of those affected by this appalling scandal have tragically not lived long enough to see it, today’s announcement is an important step towards justice.
“As the Infected Blood Inquiry continues, we urge the Government not to delay implementing a full compensation system for everyone affected, included those who are not covered by the interim scheme, such as bereaved parents and children.
“We still regularly hear from people who have just been diagnosed, following a blood transfusion 40 or more years ago. It’s vitally important that the Government raises awareness of the risks of transfusion before 1995 and encourages everyone who received a transfusion in that period to get tested.”
If we can be a source of information or support on any of the issues raised by the Infected Blood Inquiry, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on our helpline, 020 7089 6221 or by email to helpline@hepctrust.org.uk.