VICTIMS of the contaminated blood scandal could receive lifelong financial support, with payouts beginning at the end of the year.
And those who fall victim to unethical research will receive up to £15,000 extra.
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The pledges were included yesterday as part of the Cabinet Office's multi-billion pound compensation plan.
More than 30,000 NHS patients were infected with hepatitis C And HIV between the 1970s and early 1990s through transfusions or blood products.
A report acknowledged that the scandal “could largely have been avoided” but was covered up for years.
The government has now confirmed that maintenance payments, including for survivors, will continue for life.
Those who are used in unethical research on a Hampshire school gets £10,000 extra as children receive treatment at Lord Mayor Treloar College, where infected blood was used in shocking case of medical malpractice, receives £15,000.
Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds called it a “significant milestone” for the victims and pledged to provide swift compensation and ensure this never happens again.
He said: “We know that no amount of compensation can fully compensate for the harm done to people as a result of this scandal. That's why, alongside compensation, we must also implement the broader cultural changes to ensure that something like this never happens again.”
The full costs for the plan will be announced in the Budget.
Jason Evans, director of Factor 8, a victims' campaign group, said: “Compensation for those affected by the contaminated blood scandal has been long overdue and too many people have died waiting.
“Today the picture of what compensation could look like has become clearer, and now that picture needs to be realized.”