Written statement on Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Levy 2019-20 - Jan 29

Justin Tomlinson (Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work): The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (Levy) Regulations 2014 require active employers’ liability insurers to pay an annual levy, based on their relative market share, for the purpose of meeting the costs of the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS). This is in line with the insurance industry’s commitment to fund a scheme of last resort for sufferers of diffuse mesothelioma who have been unable to trace their employer or their employer’s insurer.

Today I can announce that the total amount of the levy to be charged for 2019-20, the sixth year of the DMPS, is £33.3 million. The amount will be payable by active insurers by the end of March 2020.

Individual active insurers will be notified in writing of their share of the levy, together with how the amount was calculated and the payment arrangements. Insurers should be aware that it is a legal requirement to pay the levy within the set timescales.

I am pleased that the DMPS has seen five successful years of operation, assisting many hundreds of sufferers of Diffuse Mesothelioma. The fifth Annual Report for the scheme was published on 6 November 2019 and is available on the gov.uk website. I hope that members of both Houses will welcome this announcement and give the DMPS their continued support.