Classification of Infections and Severity
I recommend that infections eligible for compensation should be classified in the following manner: a) there should be defined categories for each type of eligible infection, and the stages through which it progresses, and for each category defined degrees of severity to which a range of possible awards for the impact of the disease can be applied; b) the stages and degrees of severity for each disease should be defined by an independent clinical expert advisory panel, by reference to clinical professional consensus; c) the range of potential awards for the impact should be determined by an independent advisory panel of legal experts, taking account of but not limited by current practice in courts and tribunals across the UK.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Government recognises the different levels of suffering from different infections and degrees of severity. Therefore, compensation will be available for all of the categories of loss recommended by the Inquiry - these are referred to as 'categories of award' within the Scheme, and further detail is available below. As per the Second Interim Report's recommendation 5, different amounts of compensation will be paid to those who are infected and affected, depending on the severity of the infection suffered or familial relationship. The range of awards have been developed by the Government's Expert Group under Chair, Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, bringing together legal and clinical expertise, and assisted by social care specialists.
The scheme uses a tariff-based system with defined severity levels for each infection type. Independent clinical and legal panels advised on the severity bands and award levels. The tariff structure provides awards based on infection type and severity.
Progress Timeline
Tariff system with severity bands implemented. Additional Report (July 2025) made further refinements.
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."
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.
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.
Infected Blood Compensation Authority established August 2024. First claims for deceased infected/affected opened December 2025. IBCA accepted all 11 recommendations directed to them.