The Windrush
Compensation Scheme, which was designed in consultation
with those affected and will have independent oversight, is
the latest step in the government’s commitment to right the
wrongs experienced by the Windrush generation.
It will provide payments to eligible individuals who did
not have the right documentation to prove their status in
the UK and suffered adverse effects on their life as a
result. These could range from a loss of employment or
access to housing, education or NHS healthcare to emotional
distress or a deterioration in mental and physical health.
Last April, the Home Secretary established the Windrush
Taskforce that has helped over 3,600 people secure British
citizenship. An independent lessons learned review, led by
Wendy Williams, has also been set up to establish what went
wrong and how to prevent it happening again.
Home Secretary, said:
When I became Home Secretary I vowed to right the wrongs
experienced by the Windrush generation. We’ve been
working tirelessly to fulfil that promise ever since and
have helped more than 3,600 people secure the citizenship
they were entitled to.
But it’s right that we compensate those who faced extreme
difficulties and hardship – and this scheme will go some
way in doing that.
The Windrush generation have given so much to this
country and we will ensure nothing like this ever happens
again.
Martin Forde QC commented:
I have been involved in advising the Home Office on the
design of the Windrush Compensation Scheme, and I believe
it is accessible and most importantly, fairly compensates
those who have suffered.
The scheme has been built on feedback from affected
communities, and their personal stories have been crucial
in its design.
The scheme is open to anyone from any nationality who has
the right to live or work in the UK without any
restrictions or is now a British Citizen, and arrived in
the UK before 31 December 1988. It is also open to anyone
from a Commonwealth country who arrived and settled in the
UK before 1973. Certain children and grandchildren of those
arriving before 1973 and some close family members may also
be eligible to apply.
People who were wrongfully detained or removed from the UK
could also be able to make a claim.
The Home Office will also refund fees paid for certain
immigration applications that were unsuccessful, and
reimburse certain associated legal costs that were
incurred.
The scheme was shaped by evidence from affected
individuals. The first call for evidence received 650
responses and a formal consultation on the compensation
scheme generated responses from almost 1,500 individuals
and organisations.
The Home Secretary appointed Martin Forde QC to oversee the
design of the compensation scheme, providing independent
scrutiny on the operation of the scheme.
