Affected Estates
The Regulations be amended such that where someone who would be an eligible affected person dies between 21 May 2024 and 31 December 2029, their claim does not die with them but becomes part of their estate.
- 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
AcceptedIn his oral evidence to the Inquiry, the Minister for the Cabinet Office agreed to look again at how the Scheme compensates the estates of affected people. The Inquiry originally recommended that it was beyond the scope of the scheme for the estate of an affected person to inherit their claim. However, the Inquiry has now said this should be possible, and the Government has accepted this recommendation. An estate will be eligible to claim compensation where an affected person passed away after 21 May 2024. The Inquiry recommended this right should extend to 31 December 2029. The Government proposes to continue it until 31 March 2031.
Progress Timeline
14 April 2026 update: Change already in force from December 2025 regulations: "Estates of people who died between 21st May 2024 and 31st March 2031 are now eligible to apply for compensation" (CP 1565 Executive Summary, 14 April 2026, listing 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.