Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 82
82
Accepted
Paragraph: 272
Home Office problematic control over Windrush Compensation Scheme rules and interpretation.
Conclusion
Given the Home Office’s role in causing the initial harm it is extremely problematic that the Department is not only responsible for the design and administration 100 The Windrush Compensation Scheme of the Windrush Compensation Scheme, but that it also retains full control over interpretation of the scheme rules. We consider the establishment of a more robust and efficient review process to be an important step in improving confidence in the scheme.
Government Response Summary
The government outlines its existing two-stage independent review process for claims, which includes Tier 1 reviews by dedicated staff and Tier 2 reviews by the Adjudicator's Office, whose recommendations are normally accepted.
Paragraph Reference:
272
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We have a two-stage independent review process for claims. Tier 1 reviews are conducted by dedicated staff who will not have played any role in assessing the claim prior to the review. If a claimant wishes to contest the outcome of this review, they may request a Tier 2 review which is conducted by the Adjudicator’s Office. Recommendations to us from the Adjudicator’s Office are normally accepted and implemented. Should it arise that we disagree we would inform the Oversight Board which oversees the Scheme and includes the Independent Adviser to the Scheme – Martin Levermore.