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Victims of the infected blood scandal will receive £100,000 in compensation before the end of October, the UK Government has announced.

It follows an inquiry into the scandal, which affected up to 30,000 people in the 1970s and 1980s.

It has been referred to as ‘the worst treatment disaster in NHS history’, with around 3,000 people dying as a result.

Around 5,000 people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders are believed to have been infected with the HIV and hepatitis viruses. People who had blood transfusions were also exposed to the contaminated blood.

Sir Brian Langstaff, who is the chair of the inquiry, recommended victims receive a minimum of £100,000 in compensation.

In a landmark report published in March, Sir Robert Francis QC was asked to make recommendations for compensation to those affected by the scandal.

Among those recommendations was that interim payments, of a minimum of £100,000, should be arranged for those exposed to infected blood during the 1970s and 1980s – calling for the payments to be made available as soon as possible.

The UK Government made the announcement on Wednesday, August 17 and confirmed all payments will be tax free and will not affect any benefits received by the recipients.

Outgoing-Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “While nothing can make up for the pain and suffering endured by those affected by this tragic injustice, we are taking action to do right by victims and those who have tragically lost their partners by making sure they receive these interim payments as quickly as possible.

“We will continue to stand by all those impacted by this horrific tragedy, and I want to personally pay tribute to all those who have so determinedly fought for justice.”

Kirk Ellis, 41, from Penyrheol, is among those set to receive the compensation.

Mr Ellis was born with haemophilia – a condition which affects the body’s ability to create blood clots; which is needed to help stop bleeding.

He received contaminated blood in 1983, when he was just 18 months old – contracting Hepatitis-C in the process – a virus which has caused Mr Ellis to suffer cirrhosis of the liver.

Following the UK Government’s announcement, Mr Ellis told Caerphilly Observer that while was pleased to finally be recieving the payout, he was disappointed the government hadn’t gone further – calling for more support for bereaved families.

He said: “They could have taken the plunge to announce support for bereaved families. Widows registered on the scheme should also receive support.

“Sir Brian recommended payments to everyone affected who is currently receiving support. Some of these people are old and have financial problems because they were forced to give up work to look after infected children.”

Mr Ellis also criticised the timing of the announcement and said: “What has the government been doing since March when they first received this report? Stats show around 16 people affected by the scandal will die before October.”

He also insisted the compensation money should come out of the Treasury’s disaster contingency fund, and not from the NHS budget.

Caerphilly’s Labour MP Wayne David said he was “pleased” with the news and congratulated Mr Ellis and other campaigners for their “determination and perseverance”.

Mr David continued: “It is now important to make sure the money comes through to the victims quickly and that full compensation is paid as speedily as is humanly possible.

“I will continue to support the campaign for as long as it is necessary.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Around £400 million in funding will be provided to infected persons and bereaved partners currently registered on the existing infected blood support schemes. We are working across the four nations to ensure those infected or bereaved in Wales receive their interim payment of £100,000 by the end of October.”