Effective Treatment - Earnings Floor
For the calculation of Financial Loss awards for Hepatitis B, people born after 1953 should be treated like those born in or before 1953 on provision of evidence that their health did not improve or that it remained difficult to find work from 2009. For the calculation of Financial Loss awards for Hepatitis C, people born after 1961 should be treated like those born in or before 1961 on provision of evidence that their health did not improve or that it remained difficult to find work from 2017.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Government acknowledges the concerns raised by the Inquiry regarding the calculation of financial loss awards for individuals with Hepatitis B or C. Currently the amount awarded is determined partially by reference to the introduction of effective treatments and the possibility of returning to employment following these treatments. The Government has accepted the Inquiry's recommendation that the scheme should offer a route through which individuals can show that they were unable to return to work, or unable to work at the assumed level, even after the introduction of effective treatments. The Government will remove the earnings floor on the supplementary route Exceptional Loss award for financial loss to make sure that a route is available for infected persons to do this.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see 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.