Recommendation IBI-A-7c: Unethical Research Award Amount Review
From Additional Report on Compensation, published 9 July 2025.
Recommendation
The Minister consider whether the £10,000 (£15,000 for Treloar's pupils) should in justice be increased and further decides what sum he considers accords most closely with the general public's sense of justice and fairness in respect of an individual being subject of research without informed consent.
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry recommended reviewing and increasing compensation award amounts for unethical research. In July 2026, the Cabinet Office stated that amending regulations increased awards for unethical research to £30,000 for adults, £45,000 for children, and £60,000 for former Treloar's pupils (Cabinet Office, Jul 2026). The department had set out these increased values in April 2026 in response to a consultation on proposed scheme changes (Cabinet Office, Apr 2026). It had previously committed in July 2025 to consult on awards that minimise delays and ensure consistency (Cabinet Office response, Jul 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 5 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
The issue of unethical research is one of the most shocking areas of this scandal. In his oral evidence to the Inquiry, the Minister for the Cabinet Office agreed to look again at how the Scheme compensates victims of unethical research. As the Inquiry recommended, the Government will look to consult on the best way forward to provide an award that requires minimal evidence, minimises delays, and ensures consistency across awarding criteria.
Delivery
Cabinet Office says in progress (23 July 2026)
These Regulations also introduce a new Unethical Research award for children. This means that people who were treated for a bleeding disorder in childhood will receive a higher Unethical Research award than those who were treated in adulthood. Overall, these Regulations increase the amount of compensation that all eligible people receive for unethical research. People who attended Treloar’s will receive £60,000, rather than the £25,000 proposed in the consultation. Other children will receive £45,000. Those treated in adulthood will receive £30,000, rather than the £10,000 they receive currently.
From: Explanatory Memorandum to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Site note: The Cabinet Office's Explanatory Memorandum to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/872). The memorandum carries no date of its own; the row is dated 23 July 2026, the day the Regulations were made. They came into force the next day.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 April 2026)
The value of these awards has increased. Those who were treated as adults will receive an award of £30,000. Those who were treated as children will receive an award of £45,000. Children who were treated whilst attending Treloar’s will receive an award of £60,000.
From: Government response to consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement