Contaminated Blood Scandal Compensation Draws Criticism

Victims of the contaminated blood scandal are outraged over a government compensation offer of £15,000 for those infected as children at Lord Mayor's Treloar College, describing it as 'derisory and insulting.' Survivors like Richard Warwick, who contracted HIV and hepatitis B, criticize the sum as a 'kick in the teeth,' failing to reflect their suffering and the gravity of their cases. The updated compensation scheme includes higher payouts of up to £2.7 million for the worst-affected victims and a £10,000 fee for those subjected to unethical research. Warwick and other survivors are considering legal action to contest the amount offered. The government acknowledges that no amount of money can truly compensate for the trauma endured, as many victims continue to suffer long-term health effects. Payments under the new scheme are expected to begin by the end of this year for survivors and next year for their families.