UK Government to Extend Compensation to Families Affected by Infected Blood Scandal
New legislation will allow bereaved relatives to claim compensation for the first time
The UK government is set to introduce legislation extending compensation to families affected by the infected blood scandal.
Between the 1970s and early 1990s, over 30,000 NHS patients received contaminated blood transfusions or treatments, leading to more than 3,000 deaths.
The forthcoming laws will enable partners, parents, children, and siblings of infected individuals to apply for compensation, with amounts varying based on their relationship to the deceased and the severity of their suffering.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), established in May 2024, has so far disbursed £13.4 million to 11 claimants.
However, campaigners express frustration over delays, noting that many relatives have died without receiving compensation.
The government aims to pass the new regulations by the end of March, with the IBCA planning to scale up its operations to ensure timely payments to all eligible claimants.
Between the 1970s and early 1990s, over 30,000 NHS patients received contaminated blood transfusions or treatments, leading to more than 3,000 deaths.
The forthcoming laws will enable partners, parents, children, and siblings of infected individuals to apply for compensation, with amounts varying based on their relationship to the deceased and the severity of their suffering.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), established in May 2024, has so far disbursed £13.4 million to 11 claimants.
However, campaigners express frustration over delays, noting that many relatives have died without receiving compensation.
The government aims to pass the new regulations by the end of March, with the IBCA planning to scale up its operations to ensure timely payments to all eligible claimants.
