Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Payments Bill

Official Summary

A Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to make provision about financial assistance to persons who have suffered disablement following vaccination against Covid-19 and to the next of kin of persons who have died shortly after vaccination against Covid-19; to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of a no-fault compensation scheme to provide such financial assistance, on whether there should be any upper limit on the financial assistance available, on the criteria for eligibility and on whether payment should be made in all cases where there is no other reasonable cause for the death or disablement suffered; to provide for a special time limit under the Limitation Act 1980 for actions in respect of personal injury or death following a Covid-19 vaccination; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This Bill proposes a review into providing financial assistance to individuals disabled by COVID-19 vaccines and the families of those who died shortly after vaccination. It mandates a report to Parliament on the feasibility of a no-fault compensation scheme, and amends the Limitation Act 1980 to extend the time limit for legal action related to vaccine injury or death.

Description

The Bill initiates a review, led by a High Court judge, to assess the costs and benefits of a no-fault compensation scheme for COVID-19 vaccine-related injuries and deaths. The review will examine various factors including the severity of vaccine-related disabilities, adequacy of current compensation, eligibility criteria, and the impact on public confidence in vaccination. The Secretary of State must present the review's findings and the Government's response to Parliament. The Bill also requires the Secretary of State to develop and consult on proposals for financial assistance within six months. Finally, the Bill amends the Limitation Act 1980, extending the time limit for legal action relating to COVID-19 vaccine-related injury or death to six years from the date of knowledge (or death).

Government Spending

The Bill does not specify the amount of government spending involved. The financial implications will depend on the outcome of the review and subsequent Government decisions regarding a compensation scheme. The cost of the review itself will be a separate, though likely small, government expense.

Groups Affected

Individuals disabled by COVID-19 vaccination: Potentially eligible for financial assistance under a future scheme.
Next of kin of individuals who died shortly after COVID-19 vaccination: Potentially eligible for financial assistance under a future scheme.
The NHS: May face increased demands if a compensation scheme is implemented.
The UK Government: Responsible for funding any resulting compensation scheme.
Legal professionals: The amendment to the Limitation Act may impact their caseloads.

Full Text

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