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 AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
41
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
We know we need to do more to rebuild trust in the Home Office amongst the Windrush community, and those impacted by the scandal. In addition to continuing to make progress with Compensation Scheme payments, we know that engagement and grassroots outreach is key to rebuilding this trust. Since 2018 we have been engaging with trusted community and faith leaders and running surgeries and events in the community to reach those affected. We have conducted nearly 120 one to one outreach events with individuals to help them apply to the free Windrush Scheme to obtain the documents they need to prove their right to live in the UK. Since April 2019, over 80 public engagement events have been held across the country open to all nationalities where a presentation is given to raise awareness of the eligibility and types of losses and impacts individuals can claim compensation for under the Windrush Compensation Scheme. None of the information shared at any of these events or with any Windrush team is ever shared with other departments in the Home Office and we reiterate this point in all our messaging in the hope that people will not be fearful to come forward to claim what they are entitled to. Windrush ambassadors who are community leaders or individuals with connections to the impacted communities support the Home Office in sharing information and raising awareness of the Schemes, as do a network of over 100 Home Office Windrush volunteers who have connections with impacted communities as well. The Home Office has been working closely and frequently with the Windrush Working Group since its inception in 2020, to build greater trust with affected communities. The Windrush Working Group made up of community leaders and representatives, has supported us in identifying better ways to communicate and present messages on topics including eligibility for the Compensation Scheme for overseas residents, increasing payment awards and not being fearful in coming forwards to ask for support. We are committed to continuing to do more to present information in a helpful way and identify how we need to reach communities and build trust. In addition, over the past 12 months and through the Windrush Community Fund, we have engaged far more closely with grassroots and community organisations either affected by, or representing communities affected by Windrush. Engagement has become more regular and direct through regular dialogue to help us understand affected communities better and gain a deeper understanding of community feeling and how we can help.
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