Member

I hope I have answered the question about the action the Government will take to address the infected blood inquiry’s concerns, but if not I will come back to the noble Baroness, Lady Brinton. She also asked specifically about the community not being involved in the training of IBCA staff. It is very difficult: it is obviously an arm’s-length organisation and we cannot have it both ways, but it is incredibly important that users are at the heart of compensation claim service. That is why IBCA has appointed three user consultants, who are members of the infected blood community. They will advise on how the authority’s processes and plans can be focused on those the needs of those applying for compensation. The issue of training is genuinely relevant and I hope that IBCA has listened to this debate—I am sure it has—and will pick that up.