Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are considering alternative measures to support those who are in immediate financial trouble as a result of the Windrush scandal.

The first priority for any Windrush migrants that may have experienced problems in obtaining documents confirming their immigration status is to help them secure that status. That is why the Government quickly established the Windrush Taskforce, which has a dedicated team for vulnerable people and a fast-track service for the payment of benefits, working closely in a co-ordinated manner with DWP.

A compensation scheme for those of the Windrush generation that might have been affected is in the process of being established. The call for evidence for that scheme ended on 8 June and the Home Office are now preparing to launch the next stage of consultation, working with affected communities. The scheme will be set up as soon as possible after we have consulted.

In the meantime the Home Office will work with organisations in the Third Sector, who have considerable experience and expertise in supporting those in financial difficulties, with a view to providing tailored advice to people in the Windrush cohort.