Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill amends the Mesothelioma Act 2014 to add a research supplement to the existing levy on insurers. This supplement will fund research into mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The amendment allows for up to 1% of the existing levy to be dedicated to this research.

Description

The Mesothelioma (Amendment) Bill modifies the 2014 Mesothelioma Act. It introduces a "research supplement" to the levy already imposed on insurers. This supplement, capped at 1% of the existing levy, will specifically fund mesothelioma research. Regulations will determine the exact percentage and the process for distributing these funds. The Secretary of State must consult with insurers, medical charities, research foundations, and other relevant stakeholders before setting these regulations. The scheme administrator will be responsible for allocating the research supplement, potentially using another body to manage applications. Funds can be held and invested before allocation.

Government Spending

The bill will not directly increase government spending. Instead, it redirects a small percentage (up to 1%) of existing levy funds from insurers towards mesothelioma research. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself for the amount of the levy or the potential research supplement.

Groups Affected

• Insurers: Will contribute the research supplement via the existing levy, resulting in a slight increase in their contributions.
• Medical Charities and Research Foundations: May receive funding for mesothelioma research through grants or other financial assistance.
• Mesothelioma sufferers and their families: Will indirectly benefit through advancements in mesothelioma research funded by this supplement.
• Researchers: May receive funding for their research projects related to mesothelioma.