Unethical Research Award Amount Review
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.
- The Government stated in July 2025 that it would consider whether the unethical research practices award amounts (£10,000 standard, £15,000 for Treloar's pupils) should be increased (Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report: Government Response, Cabinet Office, July 2025).
- The government stated that Unethical Research awards would be £30,000 for adults, £45,000 for children and £60,000 for children treated at Treloar’s (Government Response to Consultation on Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, 14 April 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Under Consideration
Response
Under ConsiderationThe Government will consider whether the current unethical research practices award amounts (£10,000 standard, £15,000 for Treloar's pupils) should be increased.
Progress Timeline
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.
14 April 2026 update: Government response (CP 1565) increases Unethical Research award values: "Overall, we will 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. And those treated in adulthood will receive £30,000, rather than the £10,000 they receive currently." Regulations to implement these changes will be brought forward later in 2026. 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."