With only 70 people paid compensation so far, the Infected Blood Inquiry has said that it will hold two more days of hearings focussing on the government’s response.
The Infected Blood Inquiry has said that it will hold two more days of hearings on 7-8 May about the timeliness and adequacy of the government’s response to compensation.
“The decision to hold hearings has not been taken lightly. It reflects the gravity of the concerns expressed consistently, and repeatedly, to the Inquiry,” said Brian Langstaff, chair of the inquiry.
Langstaff’s report in May last year found what he called a “catalogue” of failings by health authorities and individuals. The resulting compensation scheme has caused distress within the infected blood community because of a lack of clarity and transparency over how compensation decisions would be made.
While the compensation scheme has been operating since October 2024 and has invited more than 250 individuals to apply to the scheme, fewer than 70 individuals have been paid compensation so far.
Highlighting concerns
Law firm Leigh Day represents more than 300 people infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal and, as such, has been provisionally contracted by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to provide individuals with independent legal support throughout their application process.
The IBI asked Leigh Day to share information on its interactions with the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to date and highlight any concerns or changes that could be made to the compensation scheme they believe are necessary.
“The concerns of the infected and affected community must be addressed by the government. I have attempted to capture some of those concerns in my statement, they go to the issue of the lack of transparency displayed by the government since the compensation scheme was announced in May 2024, as almost a year later, many individuals not being clear on what compensation they are entitled to receive and when they will be able to apply for that compensation,” said Leigh Day partner Gene Matthews.
“More must and can be done by the government to provide a clear timeframe to the community and respond to the concerns raised by them and their representatives,” he continued.
