The facts
S.I. 2026/1146 amends the 1988 payment rules and applies in England, Wales and Scotland. It is made legislation following approval of the draft by both Houses, rather than a new proposal. [1]
The rules introduce one rate structure for sufferers and dependants, remove supplementary top-ups and obsolete assessment-board references, and retain age and assessed disability as award criteria. [1][2]
For sufferers' claims, the relevant age and rate date is when the claim is received. For dependants, it is the sufferer's death date. Existing entitlements remain under the previous framework. [1][2]
Where a claimant dies before payment, the rules provide for payment to personal representatives once the necessary probate, administration or executor-confirmation evidence is supplied. [1]
Relevant context
Clydebank Asbestos Group welcomed the earlier equalisation announcement after campaigning against lower payments to bereaved families. Its account describes a prior proposal, not the act of making this instrument. [3]
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 30 Oct 2026, 17:28 UTC.
Actual made law and memorandum establish operative details. Independently owned Clydebank Asbestos Group corroborates the policy history and campaigned for equalisation; its interest and earlier timing are disclosed.
- The Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, S.I. 2026/1146
UK legislation.gov.uk / Department for Work and Pensions · Primary source · 30 Oct 2026
Actual made instrument read. Commences31 October and applies only where entitlement first arises from that date. Territorial scope is Great Britain, not Northern Ireland.
- Explanatory memorandum to S.I. 2026/1146
Department for Work and Pensions · Primary source
Actual memorandum read, including the single structure, relevant dates, preserved existing entitlements and representative payments. It does not create a universal flat award.
- Loved ones of asbestos victims to receive fairer compensation
Clydebank Asbestos Group · Reporting
Actual independent victims-support-group account read. It discusses the earlier announcement and planned31 October implementation; the made instrument establishes current legal status. Earlier average payments are not universal new award rates.