Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 44
44
Deferred
Paragraph: 154
Home Office's insistence on higher proof standards demonstrates failure to learn from Windrush.
Conclusion
We agree with Mr Forde that the higher standard of proof had no place in this scheme: its inclusion has damaged trust significantly and demonstrates a serious lack of understanding by the Home Office as to what caused the Windrush scandal in the first place. We are deeply concerned that, despite warnings from Wendy Williams and its then independent adviser, the Home Office has persisted in placing an undue burden on claimants to provide documentary evidence of the losses they suffered. This indicates a continued failure by the Department to learn the lessons from the Windrush scandal. It also reinforces our recommendation that the Windrush Compensation Scheme should be considered as part of Wendy Williams’ review of the Home Office’s progress on her recommendations (see paragraph 23).
Government Response Summary
The government commits to working with data colleagues to publish Urgent and Exceptional Payment and Vulnerable Persons Team data, and will consider formalising customer feedback capture and clarifying the team's work, but does not address the issues of the higher standard of proof, undue burden, or the Wendy Williams review.
Paragraph Reference:
154
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We are working with our data colleagues to ensure that Urgent and Exceptional Payment and Vulnerable Persons Team data is published. We receive occasional feedback from customers about the service received from the Vulnerable Persons Team and will consider how we can formalise and capture feedback without causing additional stress or anxiety to our customers. We will consider whether the work of the team and the support that can be offered should be more clearly articulated so that customers understand the reach and influence of the team.