Evidence session on Windrush Compensation Scheme
7 December 2020
The Home Affairs Committee holds the first session of its new inquiry into the Windrush Compensation Scheme on Wednesday 9 December when it takes evidence from current independent advisor to the Scheme, Martin Forde QC, and immigration law professionals who have assisted people with their applications.
Background
The Windrush Compensation Scheme was established, alongside other mechanisms, to provide support and financial redress to individuals who have suffered losses due to being unable to prove they had a right to live in the UK. A significant number of cases relate to individuals and their descendants who arrived in the UK from Commonwealth nations prior to 1973, but cases are not restricted to this group.
The Home Office estimated the overall cost of the Windrush Compensation Scheme to be between £90 million and £250 million, based on a planning assumption of 11,500 eligible claims. However, as at the end of October 2020, 1,641 applications had been received and £2,185,785.84 had been paid to 226 claims.
Purpose of the session
In this session the Committee will examine how well the Windrush Compensation Scheme has provided support for those caught up in the Windrush scandal. It will examine how the scheme has been designed and implemented, as well as provisions for providing emergency support in exceptional circumstances. It will also consider what changes could be made to improve how the system operates and address concerns raised by claimants.
Witnesses
Wednesday 9 December
From 10.00am:
- Jacqueline McKenzie, Solicitor and Immigration Advisor, McKenzie Beute and Pope
- Holly Stow, Senior Caseworker, North Kensington Law Centre
From 11.00am
- Martin Forde QC, Independent Adviser, Windrush Compensation Scheme
Further information
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