Correspondence

IBCA Newsletter, 11 December 2024

Published 11 December 2024

Hello,

In this latest update we cover IBCA’s first compensation payments and answer some of the questions we have received about the compensation scheme. 

As always, please share any feedback with us by emailing ibcaenquiries@ibca.org.uk.

Making the first compensation payments

In late October, we updated you that we were reaching out to the very first group of people so that they could begin making their compensation claims. 

Over the last few days we have made compensation offers - this is where compensation is calculated, then confirmed with the person who is claiming so they can choose to accept or decline the offer.  As offers are accepted, we are now beginning to make the first payments of compensation from this week.

Each one of these compensation claims has been unique, with some claims having all the information we need, and others requiring more details that we are working to get hold of to support the person claiming.

We have worked hard to make sure that each person has the support and information they have needed throughout the process.

This is a big step forward in building a compensation service for everyone, and we are now reaching out to more people to make their compensation claims.

We know it is urgent that we begin making payments to more people, but by starting small, we can develop and improve the service quickly, meaning payments will be made sooner for everyone. This will include continuing to work with, and hearing the views of, representatives and members of the community. 

Watch our latest video update to find out about how we’re reaching out to more people to make claims.  

Community update: Sending out the next invitations to claim compensation

Progress on legal support and financial advice

We have worked with four legal firms to put in place free, independent legal support for the first people making compensation claims. This support is available up to an agreed amount. 

Those making compensation claims will also be able to speak to a financial adviser, helping them to consider which payment type suits their circumstances. These financial advisers will also outline advice for managing money in future. 

Initial feedback on this legal and financial support will help shape future support for all those claiming. We will update you on how this develops.

Our website is live

You can now visit our new independent website for all the latest IBCA news and information, including more detail on how the compensation scheme will work. 

We’re still adding to, and improving, our website content, and welcome your feedback. Please visit ibca.org.uk to see more.

Letter from the Infected Blood Inquiry 

You may have seen this week that the Chair of the Infected Blood Inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, has written a letter (PDF, 153KB) to the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas Symonds to raise feedback he has heard from this community.

His letter is published on the Inquiry’s website, and Chair of IBCA, Sir Robert Francis KC, has noted the concerns and commented on these points in a letter also published on the Inquiry website. Sir Robert describes the steps we’ve taken to ensure IBCA’s independence and summarises the work he and IBCA have done to inform and involve  this community in the development of the compensation service. 

You can read both letters on the Inquiry website.

Follow us on social media

We also regularly post news and updates on our X (formerly Twitter) channel @IBCA_UK.

Our phone lines over Christmas and the New Year

Our phone lines will be open over most of the festive period, but won’t be available on the following days:

• Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day)
• Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day)
• Wednesday 1 January (New Years Day)

Lines are open as usual 9am to 5pm on all other days. Call us on  0141 726 2397.

Recent questions and answers

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions that we have received since the last update. We hope you find these helpful, and please do feel free to share them. 

Will I need to apply for interim compensation of £100,000 on behalf of an estate before 31 March 2025?

No, you will still be able to apply to the relevant Infected Blood Support Scheme for interim compensation payments on behalf of estates after 31 March 2025. 

The schemes are not closing on this date and will continue to process applications for interim estates payments. More information is available on gov.uk

Am I eligible for compensation if I was infected with Hepatitis B?

Although those infected with Hepatitis B are not eligible for the current Infected Blood Support Schemes and can’t register for them, they will be eligible to claim for compensation through IBCA. We’ll keep you updated via this regular update on when claims are open.

Those in the very first group to claim represent a range of infections and experience. However, we recognise that this is only from those already registered on existing schemes and does not include representation from all types of infection (for example, it does include those co-infected with Hepatitis B, but not those who are mono infected with Hepatitis B).

That’s why we are currently asking for community views about how we represent a range of groups in our earliest claims, before we open to everyone as our claims service develops further.

Welsh language versions

If you, or someone you know, would like to receive the next and future IBCA Community Updates in Welsh, you can either let us know by signing up to our mailing list or emailing ibcaenquiries@ibca.org.uk.

A quick reminder - please be aware of fraud 

If you think that a message or phone call from us is not genuine, you can contact us to check using the details from our new website here.

You can report suspicious text messages or calls free of charge by texting 7726. Your provider can find out where the text came from and block or ban the sender.

You can report fraud or cyber crime any time at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, you can report it to the Police by calling 101. If you are a victim of fraud, report it to your bank.