Special Category Mechanism

In his oral evidence to the Inquiry, the Minister for the Cabinet Office agreed to look again at how the Scheme reflects the existing Special Category Mechanism and its equivalents. The England Infected Blood Support Scheme (EIBSS) includes a payment category for those with chronic Hepatitis C where beneficiaries have experienced a significant impact on their ability to carry out daily duties as a result of their infection or treatment: this is referred to as Special Category Mechanism (SCM). Equivalent payment categories are also provided under the other national support schemes. The Government acknowledges the level of community concern raised during the Inquiry regarding how the Scheme considers the impacts captured by SCM. The Government accepts that a change must be made to the scheme in terms of recognition of SCM impacts. The Government has accepted the Inquiry's recommendation that the Severe Health Condition award should recognise impacts associated with SCM. Current IBSS beneficiaries will be automatically eligible for the award. The Government will consult on how eligibility should be established for non IBSS applicants.

These Regulations ensure that everyone who was eligible for SCM or an equivalent payment through the Infected Blood Support Schemes (IBSS) receives additional financial loss and care compensation so that the existing acknowledgement of the impact their infection had on their day-to-day life is properly compensated. Following the consultation, these Regulations will ensure that everyone in this position has the award backdated to 2017 (when the SCM award was first introduced), regardless of when they were assessed. Living people who were not assessed as eligible for SCM can also now apply for it through the IBCS, including those who were previously unsuccessful in their application to the IBSS.