21 Windrush Scandal victims die before getting compensation

PROTEST: Anger over the Windrush Scandal led to protests in Lambeth and all over the country

TWENTY-ONE Windrush scandal victims have died before receiving compensation from the government.

Home Secretary Priti Patel disclosed the shocking figure in response to a written question from SNP MP Stuart McDonald at the end of last month. She said: “We are aware of 21 cases to date where unfortunately the claimant has passed away after having submitted a claim but before receiving compensation.”

The Home Secretary also said 1,996 applications have been made. The latest figure revealed on April 29, will come as a shock for activists who have called for the scheme to be reviewed after the death of prominent Windrush campaigner Paulette Wilson. Ms Wilson unexpectedly died last year.

She was wrongly detained and was threatened with deportation despite living and working in the UK for more than 50 years.

Speaking to The Voice, Windrush scandal victim, Glenda Caesar said: “Hearing that 21 people have died before receiving compensation is ridiculous!” Ms Caesar is part of campaign group, Windrush Lives. She went on to explain, a lack of empathy from case workers was something herself and other victims had raised on many occasions but they were not listened to. She also said case workers assigned to deal with claims need to consider the age of the people applying to the scheme and act accordingly.

She said: “If someone is telling you they are stressed or have debts piling up, it is something the Home Office should act fast on. “This was a very traumatic situation for people and it is impacting their mental health and some have contemplated suicide.”

The mother of four from Hackney, east London, has now settled her own claim, after she lost her job and was unable to work or claim benefits for 10 years. She went on to say she wasn’t confident things would change and said “delay tactics” were in place to discourage people from coming forward.

For other victims, they believe the only way to solve the delays in payments is for the scheme to be handled independently. Speaking to The Voice earlier this month, Windrush scandal victim, Leeford Hammond, 65, slammed the compensation scheme after he waited almost two years for an offer.

He said: “I would like to see the compensation scheme handed to an independent body who can do a better job.”

After unveiling there were 21 cases where people has died before receiving compensation, Patel added: “We are working closely with the families and legal representatives to determine the right person to whom the compensation can be paid as quickly as possible.”

In December 2020, Patel announced the scheme would be “overhauled” to ensure people received larger payments and claims would be processed more quickly.

Windrush Campaigner Patrick Vernon said: “It is outrageous that victims of the scandal are still dying because of the hostile environment policy. “Clearly now this is a public health issue, where the psychological and emotional impact have failed to be addressed by the Home Office, Department of Health and Care and NHS England.

“This is further evidence the government have failed the Windrush Generation and their families.”

Mr Vernon encouraged people to sign his petition to remove the scheme from the Home Office.

The petition is calling for automatic payments of at least £20, 000 and the provision of legal assistance to survivors and their estates so they can claim maximum awards.

To sign the petition, go to: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/improve-the-compensation-scheme-for-windrush-survivors-and-family-members

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