In a significant move, the UK government has announced that victims of the infected blood scandal could receive compensation of up to £2.7 million each.
This decision follows a damning inquiry report and underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the consequences of what is considered the worst disaster in NHS history.
Paymaster General John Glen emphasized the urgency, stating, “time is of the essence” for many affected individuals.
Financial Relief for the Worst Affected
Illustrative figures released by the government show that those most severely impacted, particularly individuals who contracted both HIV and Hepatitis C, could receive between £2.3 million and £2.7 million.
Bereaved relatives are also set to receive financial support, which includes both lump sums and annual incomes, tailored to their specific circumstances.
To date, around 4,000 individuals have received interim payments of £100,000 each. Additionally, those living with infections will receive another £210,000 within the next 90 days.
Independent Authority and Payment Timeline
An independent authority, led by Sir Robert Francis, will oversee the detailed decisions regarding compensation.
John Glen assured that final payments should commence by the end of the year.
The total cost to the taxpayer is expected to exceed £10 billion, but Glen clarified that there are no financial restrictions, stating, “If we need to pay, we will pay.”
Categories for Compensation
The system for determining compensation is divided into five categories: injury, social impact, autonomy, care, and financial loss.
Both those directly infected and those indirectly affected, such as relatives, will be eligible for compensation. Importantly, these sums will be exempt from tax.
Criteria for Compensation Eligibility
John Glen provided clear details on who is eligible for compensation. “If you have been directly or indirectly infected by NHS blood, blood products, or tissue contaminated with HIV or hepatitis C, or have developed a chronic infection from blood contaminated with hepatitis B, you will be eligible to claim compensation under the scheme.”
He also mentioned that where an infected person has died, compensation will be paid to their estate.
Financial Implications and Political Impact
The compensation scheme will be treated as capital spending, funded through borrowing. Government sources have downplayed concerns that this will impact Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s plans to cut taxes before the next election.
Glen highlighted that Sir Robert Francis will gather feedback from the infected blood community to ensure the scheme meets their needs before final regulations are set.
Interim and Final Payments
Glen stressed the need for flexibility in awarding compensation, allowing for either lump sums or regular payments. Estates of deceased individuals will receive lump sums, which will then be distributed to beneficiaries.
Additionally, all compensation payments will be exempt from income, capital gains, and inheritance tax, and will not affect means-tested benefit assessments.
Claimants will have the right to appeal their awards through an internal review process and, if necessary, a first-tier tribunal.
Government’s Commitment to Speedy Payments
Glen acknowledged the urgency for many affected individuals, reassuring them that interim payments of £210,000 will be made within 90 days to those currently registered with existing infected blood support schemes or who register before the final scheme becomes operational.
He reiterated, “Time is of the essence,” and expressed confidence that these payments will reach those in urgent need.
Prime Minister’s Apology and Commitment
In a sombre statement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a “wholehearted and unequivocal” apology. He acknowledged the “decades-long moral failure” uncovered by Sir Brian Langstaff’s report, which revealed systemic failings across the NHS, civil service, and successive governments.
Sunak committed to providing “comprehensive compensation” and assured that the government would cover the costs required to implement the scheme.
Addressing Historical Failures
Sunak’s apology extended beyond medical failures, acknowledging the deliberate cover-ups, destruction of official documents, and the institutional refusal to face up to these failings.
He expressed deep regret for the “layer upon layer of hurt” endured by victims over the decades, stating, “This is an apology from the state – to every single person impacted by this scandal. It did not have to be this way. It should never have been this way.”
Opposition and Continuing Concerns
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer echoed the Prime Minister’s apology, acknowledging failures by all political parties. He welcomed the financial support for victims and pledged to work with the government to ensure swift implementation.
However, former health secretary Sir Sajid Javid warned that NHS scandals continue to occur despite promises to learn lessons, criticizing officials for prioritizing reputation over patient safety.
Moving Forward with Compensation
Around 4,000 individuals, including infected persons and bereaved spouses, received interim payments of £100,000 each in October 2022. MPs have been informed that a new Infected Blood Compensation Authority will be established to assess claims dating back to the 1970s and determine payment levels.
This body will consider compensation for loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and the social stigma associated with contracting viruses like HIV when they were untreatable and feared by the public.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Justice
The government’s announcement marks a significant step towards justice for the victims of the infected blood scandal.
The establishment of a comprehensive compensation framework, combined with the commitment to swift payments and the acknowledgment of past failures, offers hope for those who have suffered for decades.
As the implementation process begins, the focus will remain on ensuring that all affected individuals receive the support and recognition they deserve.
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