Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Fifth Report - The Windrush Compensation Scheme
Home Affairs Committee
HC 204
Published 24 November 2021
Recommendations
67
Accepted in Part
Explain award determination for individuals unable to return to UK and introduce specific tariff payment.
Recommendation
We call on the Home Office to explain how awards across all categories of claim are determined for individuals who were unable to return to the UK, including those unable to return for multiple decades, and to introduce a tariff …
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Government Response Summary
The government explained that awards for individuals unable to return to the UK are determined using existing scheme rules and guidance, primarily through the Impact on Life category, and confirmed such compensation has been paid. However, it did not commit to introducing a specific tariff payment for these individuals.
Home Office
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80
Accepted in Part
Publish routine data and review operations of the Vulnerable Persons Team.
Recommendation
We are disappointed that the Home Office has yet to resume routine publication of data relating to the support in urgent and exceptional circumstances policy and the work of the Vulnerable Persons Team. This information must be published regularly. We …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to publishing Urgent and Exceptional Payment and Vulnerable Persons Team data. However, it states it will only consider formalising customer feedback processes and does not address the calls for the Home Secretary, Permanent Secretary, or Wendy Williams to review the team's operation.
Home Office
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Conclusions (3)
50
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Given that the Home Office has yet to use its capacity to seek expert medical advice to support determinations on these complex awards, it should be open to claimants to be able to request expert medical advice if they are seeking a higher level award and in particular as part …
Government Response Summary
The government uses medical evidence provided by or on behalf of applicants but does not routinely seek its own expert medical advice; however, it commits to setting out a process for claimants to obtain expert medical evidence on their own behalf where appropriate.
62
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
The Home Office should clarify the basis upon which it drafted the rules and guidance on the discretionary award. (Paragraph 213) The Windrush Compensation Scheme 97
Government Response Summary
The government clarifies that the discretionary category was designed to cover financial losses not captured elsewhere, and states the scheme will be reviewed with updates provided, partially addressing the request for clarification on its drafting basis.
75
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
The Home Office and consecutive Home Secretaries have acknowledged and apologised for the losses faced by the Windrush generation as a result of failings within the Department, yet that acceptance has not translated into quick and adequate compensation, even where individuals are facing urgent or exceptional hardship. In order to …
Government Response Summary
The government outlines its existing process for urgent financial support, describes it as light-touch, and commits to providing further training for caseworkers and the Help Team to improve clarity for claimants in providing information for faster support.