Yesterday, the Infected Blood Inquiry published its Additional Report on Compensation, calling on the government to make meaningful improvements to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.
The report highlights injustices in the current awards for both infected and affected claimants, recommends ways for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) to accelerate the processing of claims, and offers solutions to improve engagement with the community by both the government and IBCA.
Sir Brian Langstaff, Chair of the Inquiry, presented the findings at an event at Westminster Chapel, stating: “The Inquiry stepped in because I could not in good conscience stand by when so many were raising concerns.” He went on to say: “It is not too late to get this right. We are calling for compensation to be faster, and more than that, fairer.”
The Additional Report sets out nine new recommendations that address some of the most significant concerns raised by the infected blood community over the past year, since the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme was established.
A summary of the nine recommendations can be found here.
Our Director, Alan Martin, and Special Advisor, Bill Wright, were in London to attend the event and hear firsthand what Sir Brian Langstaff had to say.
Following the event, Alan commented:
“Once again, Sir Brian Langstaff has shown that he and his team fully understand the fears and anxieties of the community, and the harm caused by the government’s continued lack of engagement and secrecy in setting up and delivering the compensation scheme.
These recommendations must be accepted in full by the government as soon as possible, so that the IBCA can implement the necessary changes to speed up the compensation process and ensure that more people receive the justice and recognition they deserve after decades of harm.”
The Minister for the Cabinet Office, Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds, issued a statement shortly after the report’s publication, confirming that the recommendations are being considered and that he will provide a further update to the House before the summer recess on 22 July 2025. Haemophilia Scotland will share any updates with our members as soon as they become available.