UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 4 report: Scottish Government response

Recommendation 5 – Reform the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme

Chair’s recommendation:

The UK Government must reform the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme as soon as possible. The reform should include as a minimum:

• Increasing the £120,000 payment, at least in line with inflation to date;
• Subsequently applying annual increases in line with inflation;
• Introducing multiple levels of payment, commensurate with the degree of injury suffered; and
• Any transitional arrangements necessary to provide for fairness between applicants to the existing scheme and applicants to the revised scheme.

Scottish Government response:

The Scottish Government recognises that Recommendation 5 is directed to the UK Government, as the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) is a reserved matter and responsibility for the scheme, including any legislative reform and associated payments, rests with the UK Government.

The Scottish Government agrees there is a case for reform of the VDPS. We recognise the rationale for reviewing the current payment level, introducing inflation-linked uprating, considering a graduated payment structure that better reflects differing levels of injury, and ensuring appropriate transitional arrangements for existing and future applicants.

Issues relating to the VDPS continue to be discussed regularly through four-nations forums. We will continue to engage closely with the UK Government on how the scheme can be improved, including on the issues the Inquiry has highlighted.