Compensation details still being considered, says new minister

Written by Sam Wilson, July 26, 2024

The government has updated MPs about progress towards a confirmed compensation scheme and its response to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s final report – but no clear timetable has emerged.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, the new Paymaster General, told MPs today that the final compensation scheme needs to be delivered quickly, but said it is crucial government ‘gets it right’.

He said some progress had been made towards getting an interim compensation payment of £100,000 to bereaved families who have so far not received any compensation, however, registration for this will not open until October 2024.

Currently, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), which will administer the final compensation scheme, is considering comments and feedback from the infected and affected community on the government’s compensation scheme which was published on 21 May 2024.

Mr Thomas-Symonds said the government would publish IBCA’s report on the compensation scheme and its own response by 24 August. This is the date which the government is legally required to make regulations to establish the compensation scheme.

There was also confirmation that MPs will have time to debate the findings of the Infected Blood Inquiry’s report, which was published two days before the general election was called in May 2024. He also reiterated the government’s intention to introduce a duty of candour for public services and authorities. Mr Thomas-Symonds said he hoped this would act as a catalyst for changing the defensive culture of public services, which was highlighted by the Infected Blood Inquiry.

Paying tribute to the ‘courage and determination’ of people impacted by the contaminated blood scandal, Mr Thomas-Symonds said: ‘It is for them that we must come together to restore the sense that this is a country that can rectify injustice.’

The government is also looking at the probate process for payments to estates and Mr Thomas-Symonds said further details would follow in due course.

Many MPs responding to Mr Thomas-Symonds’ statement stressed the need to involve those infected and affected in the setting up and running of IBCA in order to build trust.

They are looking at the probate process for payments to estates and further details will follow in due course.

We will update you as soon as the government publishes more details about the proposed compensation scheme.