Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Paragraph: 41
Persistent Windrush compensation scheme problems cause re-traumatisation and low applications
Conclusion
The changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme which were announced in December 2020 were long overdue and the increase in applications since then is to be welcomed. The Department’s work to understand better why eligible people have yet to apply for compensation is also to be welcomed. However, that application volumes are still much lower than expected points to deep and persistent problems. The evidence provided to us makes it plain that the delays and difficulties in applying for the scheme, together with a deep mistrust of the Home Office, form a toxic combination which may be putting off those who were caught up in the Windrush scandal from applying, for fear of being re-traumatised by the process. The Home Office’s finding that, for some individuals, the impact of the Windrush scandal was primarily about status and belonging does not absolve it of its responsibility to do all that it can to provide compensation to those eligible and entitled to receive it. The onus is on the Home Office to rebuild trust with the Windrush community and to make applying for compensation as easy a process for the claimants as it possibly can be. So far, that has patently not been the case.
Government Response Summary
The government details various ongoing and future communication and outreach strategies, including filming new video guides in multiple languages and planning the next phase of its campaign with new video, audio, and editorial content, to rebuild trust.
Paragraph Reference:
41
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We have sought to use a range of innovative approaches to reach communities, including: • In August 2020, we launched a national communications campaign, estimated to have reached 12 million people through radio, press and search advertising, and 3 million through grassroots channels. It saw an increase in awareness among the target communities from 67% to 81% and higher among some communities. • Advertising materials were developed in consultation with community stakeholders and tested with the members of the priority audience and included audio, social posts and print media, and a video guide on GOV.UK. • In addition to advertising, we worked with diaspora media partners (which achieved 1,500 pieces of coverage alone) including BEN TV, the Voice and ATN Bangla to develop bespoke content to resonate with each community. • Trusted community members were recruited as ‘ambassadors’ to raise awareness among their own networks. Their activity included video and music content shared on social media, online events and provision of information via food bank parcels. • We have also communicated through Home Office channels including developing a video case study featuring a compensation recipient. • We recently filmed new video guides on eligibility in multiple languages including Gujarati, Urdu, Bengali and Punjabi. When production is complete, these will be made available online and shared with partners. • The next phase of the campaign will include new video, audio and editorial content aimed at affected audiences. We will also be working with online communities who will share social media content such as podcasts, polls and social posts. • Through the Windrush Schemes Community Fund, we have funded organisations to promote awareness of the Windrush Schemes through a range of innovative and unique projects. Organisations’ projects include working with museums, through music and the arts, and videos and infomercials as a way to reach intergenerational audiences.