Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Deferred
Paragraph: 90
Comprehensive workflow analysis required to address Windrush scheme delays and inefficiencies.
Conclusion
The Home Office must build on the work of the NAO and undertake a comprehensive analysis of its current workflow system to identify precisely where and why bottlenecks, backward steps, inefficient processes and slow decisions are occurring. It must interrogate these findings rigorously and be prepared to act swiftly and boldly to address causes of delay, including updates to caseworker training and guidance and, where necessary, the scheme rules.
Government Response Summary
The government explains its calculation method for loss of employment compensation, including pegging the tariff to the 2017 National Living Wage, and states that arrangements are being finalised across government to correct National Insurance positions for State Pension entitlement.
Paragraph Reference:
90
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
How compensation is calculated for losses in employment has been very carefully considered to be as generous and simple as is reasonably possible. We have designed the loss of access to employment category to allow us to better acknowledge, and therefore compensate individuals for the situations and circumstances they have found themselves in. Changing the tariff to align with a changing National Living Wage would be a disadvantage to those whose compensation claims are resolved more quickly so it is important to have one constant tariff. We have pegged the tariff to the 2017 National Living Wage because most losses that may have occurred due to an inability to prove status have occurred prior to 2017 and for any losses following 2017 it is much more likely to be able to find documentation which can provide an accurate compensation amount. Across all categories our aim is to provide compensation in a way that is not complicated for our claimants or requiring and excessive amount of evidence which would delay the conclusion of a claim. The Scheme excludes impacts or losses related to occupational pensions. Where a claim is accepted under loss of access to employment or benefits, the Government will seek to ensure that the individual’s National Insurance position is corrected so the period of the loss does not impact their State Pension entitlement. Arrangements for this complex area, building on experiences from the Compensation Scheme so far, are being finalised across Government.