Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 77
77
Accepted
Paragraph: 255
Home Secretary's assertion about clarity of urgent payment deductions is rejected.
Conclusion
In light of the evidence we have received, we reject the Home Secretary’s assertion that it is sufficiently clear to individuals that, in most circumstances, any payment they receive under the urgent and exceptional support policy will be treated as an advance on a future compensation award.
Government Response Summary
The government asserts that it is clear to individuals that urgent payments are advances on future compensation, citing the updated policy on GOV.UK (Feb 2021) and revised decision letters (March 2021) that explicitly state payments may be deducted. They also intend to remind staff to convey this information.
Paragraph Reference:
255
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The policy on Urgent and Exceptional Payments is available on GOV.UK and is also sent to claimants that enquire about the Compensation Scheme. The current version of the policy was published on 23 February 2021 and advises that any payments or assistance provided under this policy may be taken into account in any subsequent award made under the Compensation Scheme. The Home Office has always been clear that the purpose of this policy is to provide for exceptional payments to be made where a person is experiencing an urgent need that cannot wait for the completion of their compensation claim. Urgent and Exceptional Payments are, in essence, intended to act as an exceptional advance on future compensation. The standard wording of Urgent and Exceptional Payment decision letters was updated on 16 March 2021, in order to reflect the revisions made to the policy. Decision letters include a line which specifically states that payments may be deducted from any future compensation award. We intend to remind the Help Team and caseworkers to ensure that individuals who request urgent support are advised of this at the point that they discuss their urgent need with the team.