Ahead of next week’s special hearings of The Infected Blood Inquiry (7-8 May 2025) focusing on the timeliness and adequacy of the Government’s response to compensation, Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors and adviser to some 1500 victims of the infected blood scandal – both those directly and indirectly affected – comments:

“Sir Brian Langstaff’s willingness to reopen the Inquiry to hear evidence on the workings of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (IBCS) speaks volumes of his commitment to the infected blood community as well as the welter of complaints and concerns he has heard on the issue of compensation

We have submitted our experience of the shortcomings of the scheme and the frustrations of our clients, both those who have been invited to apply for compensation already and those (the majority) who are still waiting. These include:

• A lack of meaningful consultation on the workings of the scheme and the regulations that govern it:- various clients have met with officials to offer suggestions and perspectives but are upset they have repeatedly not been listened to.

• A complete lack of transparency on the criteria being used to invite people to apply for compensation:- there is an assumption that the infected are being prioritised over the affected but our former Treloar’s pupil clients, for example, have yet to hear anything regarding the timetable they can expect. Those left in limbo are disappointed and frustrated, not knowing when they might receive their compensation and fearing rumours that they may even be waiting until 2029 because of insufficient Government funds. This uncertainty is not helpful for financial planning purposes or in terms of emotional closure.

• A lack of proactive information about the availability of free legal advice to those whose claims are in process:- the scheme is not as simple as some have sought to suggest and legal representation is essential in our view to ensure victims’ best interests are protected. Where possible, there has been what can only be described as a deliberate attempt to bypass lawyers and liaise with victims directly. However, many are vulnerable, may find the criteria complicated and may need assistance pulling together the evidence trail and documentation required to progress a claim, including medical and probate records. The fact legal advice will be supported is hardly being advertised.

For many reasons, therefore, the compensation process is causing significant distress and anxiety to many of our clients. The hope they had last May that finally their suffering would be recognised and that they would receive justice has not come to pass. In fact, for the majority their experience is that little has changed in the obfuscation and delay tactics and disingenuous Government behaviour they became used to for so long.

We and our clients sincerely welcome Sir Brian’s attempt to improve the situation. Speed and scale of delivery needs to be addressed, as well as tone and feel for the community at large. There is no magic fix at this point however. So it will be very interesting to see if his spotlight and intervention helps.”

ENDS

To interview Des Collins or speak to those Collins’ clients willing to share their frustrations of the compensation process, please contact:-

Bell Yard Communications: Louise Beeson: louise@bell-yard.com / Mob: 07768 956997

Notes to Editors

The Infected Blood Inquiry, chaired by Sir Brian Langstaff, was the UK’s largest ever statutory inquiry. It began in July 2018 to examine the circumstances in which patients treated by the NHS in the 1970s and 80s became infected with HIV and Hepatitis due to treatment involving infected blood products. The Inquiry Final Report was published on 20 May 2024. Collins Solicitors represented the largest victim group in the Inquiry – numbering some 1,500 infected and affected clients. It also worked tirelessly alongside various campaign groups within the infected blood community to put the Government under pressure to acknowledge its failings and agree to pay compensation. An £11.8 billion compensation package is now due to be disbursed by the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and Collins Solicitors continues to support clients in the application process to the scheme.