- Sir Robert Francis QC launches consultation on terms of reference for his independent study looking at options for a framework for compensation for the victims of the infected blood tragedy.
- Consultation will look at the suggested scope for the study from people directly infected, and others with an interest.
The Paymaster General has appointed Sir Robert Francis QC to undertake an independent study, looking at options for a framework for compensation for the victims of the infected blood tragedy. The study will report back to the Government with recommendations, before the Infected Blood inquiry reports. The terms of reference of this study which will determine its scope and will be finalised following consultation between the independent reviewer and those infected and affected.
The purpose of this study is to advise on the parameters and principles of a potential framework for a scheme of compensation to be paid to the victims of infected blood. It is anticipated that the Inquiry's findings and recommendations may point towards such a scheme when it reports.
The study is a separate piece of work from the ongoing Infected Blood Inquiry, which is an independent public statutory Inquiry. The findings of the study will be made public and available to the Inquiry before its report is published.
The purpose of doing this work now is to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in implementing any potential recommendations by the Inquiry in relation to compensation or levels of financial support.
Suggested scope of the study
To help inform consultation on the study's terms of reference, the following points cover the suggested scope of the study:
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To consider the rationale for such compensation
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Give independent advice to the Government regarding the design of a workable and fair framework for compensation for individuals infected and affected;
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To consider the scope of such compensation, and whether it should be extended beyond infected individuals and their partners, to include for example affected parents and children, either because of the impact of caring responsibilities or the effects of bereavement;
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To consider the measures for compensation, looking at other national schemes (for example, the compensation tribunal established in the Republic of Ireland),
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To consider the relationship between a compensation framework and the current financial support schemes;
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To consider options for administering the scheme.
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Submit to the Government its report and recommendations as quickly as possible and no later than the end of February 2022, to provide the Government with advice on potential options for compensation framework design.
Sir Robert is keen to receive comments on this suggested scope for the study from people directly infected, and others with an interest. He is particularly interested in the following areas so responses should be framed along these lines:
- Do these points capture all the things the study should consider?
- Do they cover the right areas?
- Are there issues missing from this list which Sir Robert should look at?
Written comments and submissions should be sent to Sir Robert at
