Will a general election affect compensation payments?

Written by Nicola Sugg, May 22, 2024

Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that a general election will take place on 4 July will prompt questions about the impact this could have on compensation payments.

We are working with MPs and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood to try to ensure that progress made so far is not knocked off course.

There will now be a process where government and opposition parties agree on what remaining legislation will go forward before Parliament dissolves next week. The Victims and Prisoners Bill is the legislation which is key to the progression of compensation, and is currently at the Third Reading stage in the House of Lords. Consideration of Lords Amendments, the final stage before it can become law will take place in the House of Commons on Friday 24 May.

This bill contains the structure of the proposed Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) as well as the changes needed to implement an interim compensation payment to the estates of families who have so far not received compensation. It also includes amendments to make the relevant parts of the bill applicable in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Given the strong cross-party support expressed for our community following the Infected Blood Inquiry’s final report earlier this week, we expect, that the Victims and Prisoners Bill will receive backing to go forward. This should be decided on the last sitting day of parliament Friday 24 May, before Parliament dissolves next week. Once the Victims and Prisoners Bill gains Royal Assent, IBCA is formally established and can begin to operate independently. Its establishment and work should not be held back by a change of government.

In terms of the compensation scheme set out by the government on 21 May, we understand that the consultation process will continue. Sir Robert Francis, the interim Chair of IBCA, should still be able to carry out his consultation in June, as planned.

We are working to get more detail for you.

We are receiving a large number of calls at present, please bear with us if you are trying to contact us. Our email is [email protected]