The running costs for the United Kingdom's COVID-19 vaccine damage payment scheme have surpassed £83 million, significantly exceeding the total amount paid out to individuals who suffered vaccine-related harm. This figure, encompassing administration and medical assessments, has prompted calls for reform from affected families and fiscal watchdogs.
Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK (VIBUK), a campaign group supporting families impacted by vaccine injuries, stated the scheme is "not fit for purpose." According to VIBUK representative Kate Scott, whose husband was left severely disabled by the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, the scheme provides "too little, too late, to too few." Scott urged the government to implement recommendations from module four of the COVID public inquiry, which proposed increasing payouts and tying them to the severity of the injury.
The Taxpayers' Alliance, a group advocating for lower taxes, expressed concern over the disparity between administrative expenses and victim compensation. "The public would be stunned that the running costs of the scheme appear to be far more than has actually been paid out to those harmed," said chief executive John O'Connell. He called for an urgent government review to reduce "unnecessary bureaucracy" and ensure more funds reach those the scheme was intended to assist.
Previous reports have highlighted substantial payments made to an external medical provider responsible for conducting assessments. The Department for Health and Social Care stated that it is "carefully considering" the COVID-19 Inquiry's recommendations for reforming the scheme and will issue a response soon. In the interim, the department aims to expedite claims and improve the applicant experience. The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) indicated it continues to collaborate with the government on managing the costs associated with the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS).