The UK government has introduced sweeping reforms to the Windrush Compensation Scheme, with new measures coming into force today that promise faster payments, broader financial redress, and priority processing for older victims of the Home Office scandal.

The changes mark one of the most significant overhauls of the scheme since its launch, following years of criticism from survivors, campaigners, and community organisations who argued that delays and restrictive rules were denying justice to those harmed.

Under the new rules, people challenging their compensation decision will now be able to receive up to 75% of their expected final award while their review is ongoing. Until today, claimants received nothing during the review stage, often waiting months or years for a final outcome.

In a major expansion of eligibility, the scheme will—for the first time—cover workplace and personal pension losses, recognising the long-term financial damage caused when victims were wrongly prevented from working. Those who were forced to withdraw retirement savings to survive will also be able to claim compensation for those losses.

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The Home Office will additionally prioritise claims from anyone aged 75 or over, acknowledging that many older members of the Windrush generation have been waiting far too long for redress. This sits alongside existing prioritisation for people with serious health conditions.

All immigration fees paid by individuals who were unable to prove their status will now be refunded, and compensation calculations will be updated to reflect wage inflation and the difficulty of returning to work after prolonged unemployment.

Crucially, all reforms apply retrospectively, meaning thousands of existing claimants stand to benefit immediately.

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Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said the changes were essential to restoring trust and delivering long-overdue justice.

“The Windrush scandal remains one of the most shameful events in this country’s recent history… Reforms which come into force today will mean greater and faster compensation for victims, ensuring that people who suffered financial and emotional hardship through no fault of their own finally receive proper redress.”

Windrush Commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE, who has repeatedly pressed for improvements, welcomed the reforms but emphasised the need for effective implementation.

“The introduction of advance compensation payments at the review stage, and compensation for financial losses, tackles issues I have consistently raised on behalf of survivors… What matters most now is that these changes are implemented effectively and make a real difference for claimants.”Clive Foster Windrush Commissioner (right) Mike Tapp Minister for Migration and Citizenship (left) Donoldson Romeo (center) Fomer Premier of Montserrat. Credit: George Brown

The government also confirmed that £600,000 has been released for the second year of the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund, enabling community organisations to help victims navigate the claims process.

To date, the scheme has offered £128 million to 3,842 claimants, with the Home Office stating that more than 94% of cases are now concluded.

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