Families of people who died as a result of a result of the infected blood scandal can now apply for £100,000 interim compensation payments.
The Government has opened applications today for partners, parents, siblings and children affected by the tragedy. It is the first time families have been abled to claim compensation in over 40 years.
More than 3,000 people have died after being given blood transfusions or treatments using blood products contaminated with hepatitis C or HIV. These interim payments come in advance of a Government-funded compensation scheme for those who were infected or affected by the scandal.
Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “I hope that today is seen as another important milestone for victims and campaigners who have waited far too long for justice.
“We are committed to acting on the recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry and these payments are an important step forward in providing substantial compensation to the families of victims of infected blood.
“No amount of compensation can fully address the suffering as a result of this scandal, but we are doing everything possible to deliver life-changing sums to people infected and affected.”
The payments will be UK-wide and delivered by the independent Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), which was established in law in August. The comprehensive compensation scheme will begin payments by the end of the year.
It comes after MPS heard a lack of communication with victims “fuelling mistrust”. On Wednesday Labour’s Clive Efford said campaigners are losing faith in the compensation scheme, adding that they feel as if they have “won the war, only to see those they vanquished put in charge of delivering the peace”.
He said cases settled by the compensation authority – of which there are expected to be 20 by the end of the year, are viewed as “Willy Wonka golden tickets”. The Government approved regulations in August for claims to be made and compensation paid for those infected by the end of the year. But a second ministerial order to enable payouts to people affected is not due until March next year.
Mr Efford said “euphoria” had turned into “frustration, leading to anger, and a growing fear of betrayal”. He went on: “One victim dies, on average, every four days. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Mr Thomas-Symonds responded: “The Government will be engaging with them. The Government will be asking what more support is required.”
To apply for interim compensation, fill out an online form here