Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress she has made with the Windrush Compensation Scheme; and if she will make a statement.

We publish information on the total number of claims submitted, claims paid, and the overall amount paid out by the Windrush Compensation Scheme on a monthly basis. The latest set of data can be found at:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/windrush-compensation-scheme-data-october-2021

We are processing claims as quickly as possible, but all claims are different, and the time taken will depend on many factors, including the complexity of the case. Wherever possible, we will make a preliminary payment as soon as someone applying on their own behalf, or on behalf of someone who has sadly passed away, can show any impact on their life under the terms of the Scheme. Individuals do not have to wait for their whole application to be assessed in order to receive a preliminary payment.

We have taken steps to encourage more people to submit a claim and to help those who already have. We have removed the end date of the Scheme to ensure no one is prevented from making a claim if they are eligible. We have also launched a package of support to help those making, or who have already made, claims on behalf of a relative who has passed away to obtain the legal documentation required to process their claims. In addition, we have published a redesigned primary claim form which is easier for people to complete, and refreshed casework guidance which sets out clearly how caseworkers should apply the balance of probabilities and go about gathering evidence, with the aim of reducing the time taken to process claims and improving peoples’ experiences of applying to the Scheme.

We are also continuing to work extensively with communities and stakeholders to raise awareness of the Scheme and encourage affected individuals to apply. Since the launch of the Scheme we have attended or hosted approximately 200 outreach and engagement events, and in 2020 we carried out a national communications campaign to make sure those most affected around the UK are aware of the support available to them and how to apply. In addition, the £500,000 Windrush Schemes Community Fund provides for grassroots organisations and community groups to run their own outreach, promotional and support activity.