Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 83
83
Rejected
Paragraph: 273
Establish an independent single-stage review process for Windrush Compensation Scheme claims.
Recommendation
We call on the Home Office to establish a demonstrably independent single-stage review process in which claimants have greater confidence, such as a judge-led panel. The Home Office should accept and implement decisions of the independent review. Where an initial decision is amended, the Home Office should gather feedback on the initial decision-making process to share with caseworkers and, where appropriate, use this feedback to inform and update caseworker training and guidance to improve the quality of initial decision-making. All claimants should have the right to access the new review process irrespective of whether their claim has concluded or is ongoing. This approach would be consistent with the retrospective application of changes which have been made to the scheme previously.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects establishing a single-stage, judge-led review process, stating it already has a two-stage independent review process with Tier 1 internal reviews and Tier 2 reviews by the Adjudicator's Office. It notes that Adjudicator's Office recommendations are normally accepted but does not commit to the proposed feedback mechanism.
Paragraph Reference:
273
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.