Transparency of Scheme Design
The Government and IBCA establish a mechanism by which individuals or organisations may raise concerns which arise about any aspect of the scheme which from time to time is troubling them. The mechanism is intended to help continuous improvement of, and/or aid understanding of, any aspect of the scheme. It should involve identifying a person or body to whom any such concern should be expressed, whose role it is to consider the concern, log it, and ensure that a person of appropriate seniority either responds to it in writing, or ensure that it is placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the advisory body or IBCA's Board or is considered by the Cabinet Office and Minister as appropriate.
- The Government stated in July 2025 that it would establish a mechanism allowing people and organisations to raise concerns about the compensation scheme and its delivery, working jointly with IBCA (Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report: Government Response, Cabinet Office, July 2025).
- The government reported that a mailbox had been launched for concerns about the design or delivery of the compensation scheme, with quarterly published summaries and responses planned (Government Response to Consultation on Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, 14 April 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Inquiry was clear that there is a need for greater transparency, involvement and listening with the community in remedying injustice by the state. The Government accepts that, together with IBCA, it makes available a mechanism which will allow people and organisations to raise concerns about any aspect which is concerning them about the compensation scheme and its delivery. The Cabinet Office and IBCA are currently working on proposals and once a mechanism has been established will seek feedback on its operation and will engage with the Community to make sure that it works as effectively as possible.
Progress Timeline
In light of our commitment to community engagement and transparency, we have launched a mailbox to make things easier for people to raise concerns with either the design, or the delivery of the compensation scheme, in direct response to Recommendation 2e from the Inquiry’s Additional Report. These concerns will be considered by the relevant senior responsible officer (SRO) and the Cabinet Office and IBCA will publish quarterly summaries of the feedback received from the community alongside a Government or IBCA response.
IBCA and Cabinet Office are working together to design this mechanism. IBCA has begun publishing community feedback quarterly on its website. IBCA CEO David Foley appeared before the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) on 3 March 2026 to discuss scheme implementation and trust-building efforts. (Source: IBCA Community Update, 12 March 2026)
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
As of 13 January 2026: 3,721 people asked to start claims, 3,546 begun process, 3,074 received offers totalling £2.47bn, 2,861 paid totalling £1.89bn. Third compensation regulations in force 31 December 2025.
View detailed findings
IBCA exceeded initial expectations. Three sets of regulations now in force covering infected persons, affected persons, and supplementary routes. £11.8bn committed in October 2024 Budget. Independent review found "very creditable progress."
Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 established IBCA. Three sets of scheme regulations in force (Aug 2024, Mar 2025, Dec 2025). First payments December 2024. £1.89bn paid to 2,861 people by January 2026.
IBCA has contacted 2,215 people to begin compensation claims; 1,934 started process. £812m+ paid via Horizon Shortfall Scheme. £11.8bn committed in Autumn Budget.
View detailed findings
IBCA exceeded expectations for first cohort and established operational service with "compassionate ethos." Target: bulk of infected payments by 2027, affected by 2029. Third compensation scheme regulations came into law 31 December 2025.
Infected Blood Compensation Authority established August 2024. First claims for deceased infected/affected opened December 2025. IBCA accepted all 11 recommendations directed to them.