The UK government has introduced new laws that could allow as many as 140,000 bereaved relatives of infected blood scandal victims to claim compensation. This follows a long-running inquiry into one of the worst healthcare disasters in British history, where contaminated blood products led to thousands contracting serious infections.
The scandal dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when blood products used for NHS treatments were contaminated with HIV and hepatitis B and C. Around 30,000 people were infected, many of whom later died as a result. Investigations have since revealed that UK authorities were aware of the risks but continued using the products, leading to widespread suffering.
In May 2024, a damning inquiry report concluded that government officials had covered up key information, exposing victims to unnecessary risks. It recommended urgent compensation for both direct victims and their families, acknowledging decades of hardship caused by the scandal.
The UK government has set aside £11.8 billion in compensation funds, marking one of the largest payouts in NHS history. The new laws will expand the scheme to cover relatives, including parents, children, siblings, and some carers of those who were infected.
Previously, only individuals directly infected with HIV or hepatitis through NHS treatments were eligible for compensation. The new provisions acknowledge the emotional, financial, and psychological toll on family members who lost loved ones or cared for them through severe illnesses.
Compensation amounts will vary depending on the applicant’s relationship with the victim. According to draft proposals, a parent who lost a child due to hepatitis C may receive around £85,000, while a sibling may be entitled to approximately £30,000. However, these figures could change based on individual circumstances and further parliamentary debate.
The legislation must pass through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before taking effect. The government anticipates this will happen by the end of March 2025, allowing full implementation of payments.
Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, stating:
“I know the scale of suffering people have endured. These new laws will be vital in delivering compensation to those who cared for loved ones and suffered greatly themselves.”
Despite this, advocacy groups and legal representatives have expressed concerns over delays in rolling out the compensation. Lawyer Des Collins, representing thousands of affected families, warned that the current system is moving too slowly.
“Many may die before they receive the compensation they deserve,” he said.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), responsible for handling claims, acknowledged the slow start but promised to accelerate processing from April 2025. So far, only 113 infected individuals have been invited to apply, with just 23 offers made.
The new scheme also introduces supplementary payments for individuals who endured unethical medical practices. Victims who can prove they were subjected to unauthorized research will receive an extra £10,000.
Additionally, former students of Treloar’s School in Hampshire—where many children with haemophilia were treated with contaminated blood—will be entitled to an extra £15,000. These payments aim to recognize the unique suffering experienced by these groups.
The government’s £11.8 billion budget for compensation is expected to last until at least 2029. However, estimates of affected individuals remain uncertain. Internal reports suggest that between 24,000 and 140,000 relatives and carers may apply for compensation, which could increase the total payout.
While the announcement is a significant step toward justice, many families remain skeptical. After decades of delays, victims and their relatives continue to demand swift action, fearing further bureaucratic hurdles.
As the UK Parliament debates and finalizes these laws, advocacy groups will be closely monitoring the process to ensure that justice is not delayed any further.
