Deeming of Severity Bands
Where the level of severity of a person's infection at Level 3 or more has been established to IBCA's satisfaction in relation to a given year, but it is not known when it reached Level 3 or more, the legislative provisions should apply to deem the level of severity in the years which preceded that given year.
- A consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme was opened on 24 November 2025 (Consultation: Proposed Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, November 2025).
- The regulatory amendment had not been made as of March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Government acknowledges the concerns that the Inquiry has set out regarding the mechanism for determining the number of years a person with Hepatitis was likely to have spent at particular severity bands when there is an absence of evidence. The Government will amend the regulations so that those who were diagnosed with a level 4 Hepatitis infection, but are unable to evidence disease progression before that point, will be deemed to have spent up to six years prior to this with a level 3 infection and be compensated accordingly.
Progress Timeline
14 April 2026 update: December 2025 regulations already changed the provisions IBCA use to assume infection progression: "The provisions that IBCA use to assume infection progression where someone lacks evidence have changed to ensure that anybody with a Level 4 Hepatitis infection will also be compensated for the period that they will likely have spent with a Level 3 infection, regardless of when they were diagnosed with a Level 4 infection" (CP 1565 Executive Summary, summarising changes in force since December 2025). 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.