Immediate Establishment of Scheme
I recommend that a compensation scheme should be set up now and it should begin work this year.
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedRecommendation 18 of the Second Interim Report recommended that the Government set up the compensation scheme upon publication of the Second Interim Report in April 2023, and that it should begin work as soon as possible in that year. The then Government was clear that it would respond to the Second Interim Report following the publication of the Inquiry's May 2024 report, and has done so in the establishment of the compensation scheme.
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 established the legal basis for the compensation scheme. IBCA was established and began accepting claims in 2024, with first payments made in December 2024.
Progress Timeline
Scheme established and operational. Over £1.35 billion paid by October 2025.
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.