Fury at abusers' eligibility for infected blood payout

Abusive ex-partners of victims of the UK’s biggest health scandal could be handed thousands of pounds in compensation even if they have a conviction and the government has admitted it has no power to stop it.

- HOLLY EVANS

Under new legislation rolled out in March, partners, siblings, children and parents of the 30,000 people infected with HIV or hepatitis C during the 1970s and 80s can apply for Infected Blood Scandal compensation in their own right as an “affected person”.

Campaigner Jackie Britton flagged her concerns to the government that there was nothing to stop domestic abusers applying to claim, which in some cases could see people handed up to £86,000.

She was shocked to be told that while they shared her concerns, there was “no provision” to exclude them due to a loophole in the law. The government added that it had looked to prevent those with relevant convictions but could find no practical way of doing so.

Domestic abuse campaigners said they were “alarmed” by the issue, which they said allowed perpetrators the opportunity to further exploit their victims.

A letter from the Cabinet Office to Ms Britton, seen by The Independent, confirmed the government’s hands are tied. It read: “The minister for the Cabinet Office shares the concerns that you and others have raised on abusive family members.