IR2-16 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Central Delivery with Devolved Support

Recommendation

I recommend that the compensation scheme should be delivered by one central body, appropriately resourced and staffed. Current support schemes should however continue to be provided as at present by schemes local to each nation.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the official government response (2025-07-21), the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) was established to deliver the compensation scheme centrally on a UK-wide basis. According to the official government response (2025-07-21), alongside this central delivery, existing infected blood support schemes in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland continue to operate locally. According to the official government response (2025-07-21), individuals registered with an infected blood support scheme before 1 April 2025 can choose to receive regular support scheme payments for life.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Response
Accepted
Accepted UK Government Initial Response
17 Dec 2024

In line with recommendations 14 and 16 of the Second Interim Report, IBCA has been established to deliver the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and financial compensation to victims of infected blood on a UK-wide basis. All those registered with an infected blood support scheme before 1st April 2025 - both living infected persons and bereaved partners - can choose to receive regular support scheme payments for life. This goes beyond the recommendations made in the Second Interim Report and reflects the recommendations made by Sir Robert Francis following his engagement exercise with the community in June 2024.

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Accepted UK Government Follow-up
14 May 2025

IBCA delivers compensation centrally across the UK. The existing support schemes (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) continue to operate locally alongside the compensation scheme.

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Progress Timeline
Official Report
17 Dec 2024

Central delivery through IBCA with continued devolved support schemes.

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.

Good Progress
15 Jan 2026
IBCA Community Update Other

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 Community Update, 15 January 2026 View Source
Good Progress
31 Dec 2025
UK Parliament legislation

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.

Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 20… View Source
Reasonable Progress
28 Oct 2025
IBCA Independent Review Other

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.

IBCA CO-Sponsored Independent Review Report, Octo… View Source
Good Progress
22 Jul 2025
IBCA Community Update Other

Infected Blood Compensation Authority established August 2024. First claims for deceased infected/affected opened December 2025. IBCA accepted all 11 recommendations directed to them.

IBCA Community Update, July 2025 View Source
Source
Report Second Interim Report 05 Apr 2023
Responsible Bodies
UK Government Primary
Recommendation age 3.0 yrs
Last formal update 14 May 2025