Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 75
75
Accepted in Part
Home Office apologies for Windrush failings have not translated into adequate compensation.
Conclusion
The Home Office and consecutive Home Secretaries have acknowledged and apologised for the losses faced by the Windrush generation as a result of failings within the Department, yet that acceptance has not translated into quick and adequate compensation, even where individuals are facing urgent or exceptional hardship. In order to rectify this, the Home Office should reduce the bureaucratic burden placed on applicants for urgent and exceptional support, in recognition of the fact that a prohibitively high standard of proof and limited interpretation of ‘urgent’ and ‘exceptional’ hardship will result in delays and rejections for those in desperate situations through no fault of their own. Caseworkers should be directed to take a broader, more sympathetic approach when interpreting whether circumstances are urgent or exceptional, with particular attention paid to those struggling with debts and arrears they have accrued because of their inability to demonstrate their lawful status. (Paragraph 249) The Windrush Compensation Scheme 99
Government Response Summary
The government outlines its existing process for urgent financial support, describes it as light-touch, and commits to providing further training for caseworkers and the Help Team to improve clarity for claimants in providing information for faster support.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The circumstances of individuals’ compensation claim may be complex, and it is important that time is taken in order to consider these carefully and ensure that a correct decision is ultimately reached. We do, however, continue to maintain a separate process by which individuals in urgent need may request (and receive) financial support on a rapid basis. Where an individual is eligible for the Compensation Scheme and believes that they require urgent financial support, they may contact the Windrush Help Team in order to request this. All requests for support are considered in line with our policy on Urgent and Exceptional Payments, which is available on GOV.UK. When considering a request, it is important that we do understand an individual’s circumstances and the reasons why they are applying for support. Our dedicated Vulnerable Persons Team works with individuals in order to establish whether there is a need for urgent financial support. This process is light-touch and entirely separate to the consideration of compensation claims. Some requests which are initially financial can often be resolved with support from the Vulnerable Persons Team, for example signposting a claimant to debt management, assisting with contacting the DWP benefits team or liaising with the housing providers to halt an eviction so that a payment schedule can be arranged. Urgent and exceptional payments have in the past been used to support with costs such as essential furniture, clothing, flights or debt management. There will be circumstances where additional information is required, and we will support further training for our caseworkers and the Help Team to ensure that it is clear to the claimant that by providing as much information as possible at the time of making contact, it will allow us to provide appropriate support as quickly as possible.