Supplementary Route for Affected Persons
The Minister give consideration to there being a supplementary route for people affected. This could include opening the supplemental award for severe psychological harm to people affected. He should involve parents, children, siblings, partners and carers, and their legal representatives if wished, in this consideration.
- A consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme was opened on 24 November 2025, covering the supplementary route for affected persons (Consultation: Proposed Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, November 2025).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartIn his oral evidence to the Inquiry, the Minister for the Cabinet Office agreed to look again at how the Scheme compensates affected people through a supplementary route. The Government has accepted the Inquiry's recommendation to consult on whether it is feasible to implement a supplementary route for additional compensation for affected people who suffered the severest harms. The Government will consult with parents, children, siblings, partners and carers, and their legal representatives if wished, on whether it is possible to implement a supplementary route for the affected based on severe psychological harm, as the Inquiry has suggested, without causing significant delay to the process of compensation as a whole.
Progress Timeline
14 April 2026 update: Government response (CP 1565) introduces an Affected Supplementary Route: "Following the consultation, we are introducing a 50% uplift to the core Injury award for some affected people. Eligible bereaved parents whose infected child died under the age of 18 will receive an uplifted Injury award to recognise the profound impact of this loss. Eligible bereaved partners will also receive an uplifted Injury award to recognise the deep emotional harm of losing a partner. Growing up in a home or family impacted by infected blood meant that people's life paths were permanently changed. For this reason, children and siblings of infected people who were affected whilst they were under the age of 18 will also receive an uplifted Injury award, calculated based on the highest severity of infection they experienced during childhood." A 50% uplift to the core Autonomy award is also introduced for people who were infected when aged 18 or under. 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.
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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.
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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.