Recommendation IBI-A-4b: Special Category Mechanism

In his oral evidence to the Inquiry, the Minister for the Cabinet Office agreed to look again at how the Scheme reflects the existing Special Category Mechanism and its equivalents. The England Infected Blood Support Scheme (EIBSS) includes a payment category for those with chronic Hepatitis C where beneficiaries have experienced a significant impact on their ability to carry out daily duties as a result of their infection or treatment: this is referred to as Special Category Mechanism (SCM). Equivalent payment categories are also provided under the other national support schemes. The Government acknowledges the level of community concern raised during the Inquiry regarding how the Scheme considers the impacts captured by SCM. The Government accepts that a change must be made to the scheme in terms of recognition of SCM impacts. The Government has accepted the Inquiry's recommendation that the Severe Health Condition award should recognise impacts associated with SCM. Current IBSS beneficiaries will be automatically eligible for the award. The Government will consult on how eligibility should be established for non IBSS applicants.