Infected blood victims could each receive payments of over two million pounds under a new compensation scheme announced by the government.

The initial payments will be made by the end of the year, with interim payments of two hundred ten thousand pounds to be issued this summer to four thousand victims who have previously received one hundred thousand pounds.

Families of the victims, including children and parents, will also be eligible for compensation for the first time.

The total cost of the scheme could reach ten billion pounds.

The compensation will be based on five criteria: injury and harm caused, social impact, autonomy and private life impact, care costs, and financial loss.

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority, led by Sir Robert Francis, will administer the scheme starting next April, replacing the existing financial support scheme.