Periodical Payment Orders (PPO’s) are generally used in cases where a settlement includes a payment for the provision of long-term care and support for a claimant over a sustained period of time. There may be a lump sum payment made at the time a case is settled, with a legal commitment to make a regular payment for the life of a claimant.
The Welsh Risk Pool is responsible for administering the Periodical Payment Orders for all NHS Wales Health Bodies on behalf of Welsh Government. At the end of 2023/24, 28 cases that had closed and 13 new matters opened – with a total of 145 active PPO matters. PPO payments made in 2023/24 totalled £21,072,575.99.
The calculation of payments is adjusted each year in accordance with a formula outlined in the court order. Indices regularly used to adjust payment are the Retail Prices Index (RPI) and Average Salary and Hourly Earnings (ASHE) index.
The payment adjustments are overseen by the NWSSP Corporate Finance Team. Enquiries regarding trusts for the Claimants, payments of accounts or in the event of the death of a claimant are dealt with by the WRP Operations team.