FLAWS in the compensation scheme for victims of the infected blood scandal have “perpetuated” their suffering, with key decisions made “behind closed doors,” a new report has warned.

The Infected Blood inquiry said today that there had been a “repetition of the mistakes of the past” and that people had been “harmed yet further” since the scheme was established.

Inquiry chairman Brian Langstaff described the number compensated so far as “profoundly unsatisfactory” and called for “faster and fairer” redress for the victims.

The inquiry’s latest report concludes that there was a “missed opportunity” to consult those affected and criticised both Conservative and Labour governments for continuing a pattern of exclusion and delay. 

It also found that many people had lost trust in the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA).

Victims expressed “grave concern” at ongoing delays and the lack of a clear timeline. 

Campaign group Tainted Blood estimates that at least 100 people have died while waiting for compensation since the inquiry’s main report was published last year.

Mr Langstaff said: “Trust has not yet been regained but instead has been further damaged and people have been harmed yet further by [how] they have been treated.”

Speaking to people impacted at an event in central London, he said that “delay creates an injustice all of its own.”

The inquiry chairman described how one man had spent his last days applying for compensation but died before receiving it.

“His family do not know when they will receive the recognition that should have been his,” Mr Langstaff said.

“A mother in her eighties, whose two sons and husband were infected at the same hospital, died before she was even allowed to start the process.

“Many, many fear they will not live to see the recognition which compensation brings.”

Some claimants have reportedly been told they may not receive any payment until 2029. 

“Once again, decisions have been made behind closed doors, leading to obvious injustices,” Mr Langstaff said.

The inquiry published its main report in May 2024 and a compensation scheme was announced the following day. 

But a general election was called in the same week, which delayed progress. 

A total of £11.8 billion has been allocated for compensation, but only 460 victims have been paid a combined total of over £326 million.

A government spokesperson said: “We are grateful to the inquiry for its ongoing work. We will now consider all of its recommendations.”