Interferon Treatment Impacts
People infected with Hepatitis B or C who have received a course of treatment with or based on interferon should be recognised as entitled to core awards at Level 3.
- The Government stated in July 2025 that it accepted this recommendation in principle and proposed introducing a new severity band "Level 2B" for interferon recipients, with a consultation on appropriate award amounts (Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report: Government Response, Cabinet Office, July 2025).
- A consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme was opened on 24 November 2025, covering the interferon treatment severity band (Consultation: Proposed Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, November 2025).
- The government stated that it would create a Level 2B infection severity band for people treated with interferon (Government Response to Consultation on Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, 14 April 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe impact of interferon treatment on those infected with Hepatitis B or C often resulted in severe side effects, both psychological and physical. The Inquiry recommended that more be done to recognise the impact of interferon in the scheme. The Inquiry proposed that interferon could be better recognised by moving all those who received it to the equivalent of Cirrhosis Level 3 band. Alternatively the Inquiry suggested the Government could introduce a new infection severity band, between Level 2 (Chronic) and Level 3 (Cirrhosis). The Government proposes to introduce a new core route infection severity band for those who received interferon treatment, to be referred to as Level 2B. The Government will consult on the proposed awards for Level 2B to ensure these properly reflect the impacts of interferon treatment.
Progress Timeline
People who were treated with interferon will receive more compensation for the impact the treatment had on their life. To do this, we will create a new Level 2B infection severity band to give eligible people higher Injury, Financial Loss and Care awards than they receive at Level 2.
14 April 2026 update: Government response (CP 1565) confirms introduction of a new Level 2B award: "As proposed, we will introduce a new 'Level 2B' award so that people who suffered from the side-effects of interferon treatment receive an additional Injury award, as well as further financial loss and care compensation, to reflect the impact it had on their lives. Following the consultation, we will also make sure that people who received more than one round of interferon will be properly compensated for each of these rounds." Regulations to implement these changes will be brought forward later in 2026. Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-infected-blood-compensation-scheme-will-improve-support-for-victims; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69ddf5fd7e2086c62da2f152/Government_response_to_consultation_on_proposed_changes_to_the_infected_blood_compensation_scheme__PDF_.pdf
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."
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.