Administrative and medical assessment costs for the UK’s Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) have exceeded £83 million, a figure more than double the total amount currently being paid out to those injured or bereaved by vaccines.
The latest figures show that the cost of running the scheme has climbed significantly as the government continues to process a backlog of claims related to Covid-19 vaccinations. In the 2025/26 financial year alone, administrative costs reached £29,191,321.71. Campaigners have described the system as “not fit for purpose,” highlighting that the overheads required to assess claimants are far outstripping the financial support reaching the public.
Parliamentary scrutiny and local representation
The efficiency and fairness of the VDPS have come under intense scrutiny in the House of Commons. In July 2026, Alison Griffiths, the MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, formally questioned the government on when it would implement recommendations for reform.
The MP’s intervention followed recommendations for reform made by Baroness Heather Hallett. Ms Griffiths sought clarity on the timeline for when these changes would be implemented, noting the nature of the current provisions for those severely affected.
Eligibility and payouts
The VDPS provides a one-off, tax-free payment of £120,000 for those severely disabled by a vaccination. This scheme has been a point of contention for the group Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK (VIBUK), which claims the system is “not fit for purpose” and argues that many seriously injured people are left with no support at all.
Government data indicates that while the scheme is “scaling up” to handle the volume of applications, the high cost of medical assessments—often involving independent doctors reviewing complex neurological or cardiac records—accounts for a large portion of the £83 million expenditure.
It is important to note that a VDPS payment is not a settlement of legal liability; individuals who receive the payment are still permitted to pursue separate legal action for compensation through the courts.
How the scheme operates
For those looking to apply or check their status, the following rules apply:
- Medical Evidence: The onus is on the claimant to provide medical records, which are then reviewed by independent medical assessors.
Details regarding specific parliamentary responses and the ongoing debate over these costs can be found through the UK Parliament written questions database. The government has stated it is modernising the system to speed up wait times, though it has yet to confirm if any future increases to the £120,000 payout would be applied retrospectively to those who have already received a payment.
