As another blow to the victims of the Windrush scandal The Public Accounts Committee announced that more than 82% of victims are still waiting to receive their full compensation payments.
Cross-party MPs have tore into the Home Office for “failing the Windrush generation again” with some claimants even dying whilst waiting.
In the report the committee states that initially the scheme only had 6 workers instead the 125 it actually needed creating “fundamental problems” that have led to the current situation.
“The Windrush compensation scheme is beset with the very same issues that led to the initial terrible mistakes,” said Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
She added: “Lifetimes in this country were discounted, people’s homes, families and livelihoods were interrupted and uprooted, some were forced from the country.
“Some were approaching the end of those lifetimes as this tragedy befell them. Some have died without ever seeing justice or receiving the compensation they deserve.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “The Home Secretary has been resolute in her determination to put right the wrongs suffered by all those affected by the Windrush scandal. Many of the issues raised in this report are already being addressed,”
“Last week, we announced further improvements to simplify the application process, new support measures for those claiming on behalf of relatives who have passed away and the removal of the scheme’s end date.All designed to ensure every victim receives the compensation they deserve,”
“And since December, when the Home Secretary overhauled the scheme, the amount of compensation paid has risen from less than £3 million to almost £27 million, whilst a further £7.1 million has been offered.”
