Exclusive: Rev Clive Foster says it is ‘deeply concerning’ 66 people have died while waiting for compensation
The Windrush commissioner has demanded “urgent reform” of the compensation scheme after being told by survivors that “the Home Office is waiting for us to die off”.
In a letter seen by the Guardian addressed to migration and equalities minister, Seema Malhotra, and shared with home secretary Yvette Cooper, Rev Clive Foster says it is “deeply concerning” that 66 people have died while waiting for compensation for the Windrush scandal.
The scheme, launched in 2019, has been criticised for delays and knockbacks, with the Labour government repeatedly committing to ensure survivors are paid quickly.
Foster, who became Windrush commissioner in June, told Malhotra he had “positive feedback” about her personal commitment and that there had been recent improvements, but survivors “continue to tell me about long waits, unclear outcomes, and the emotional toll of navigating a process that feels opaque and unjust”.
