Recap - Windrush Listening Event in Nottingham
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Last November Beverley Davy attending a Windrush Listening Event in Nottingham.The purpose of the Listening event was to introduce the community to the Windrush Commissioner, his new role in this post and to bring further awareness to the community regarding the Windrush Scheme.
Barrington Billings of Tuntum Housing was the event host and opened the meeting and introduced Reverend Clive Foster who is the first UK independent Windrush Commissioner appointed by the Home Office
Opening Remarks from the Commissioner:
He is meeting alongside organisations seeking to ensure there is long-term advocacy for applicants
Rev Foster stated the Windrush Compensation Scheme (WCS) has helped people get their status and helped individuals receive thousands of pounds in compensation
The scandal is still very present but he will be pursuing justice now
He highlighted awareness of entitlement/eligibility is failing
The Windrush Scandal remains a Commonwealth and Global scandal due to the people affected
There still remain people who are locked over seas due to their national status
People have real anxiety regarding their status being rolled back under a new government
Secured agreement to extend the Windrush Compensation Scheme
He emphasised that the peoples voices will shape what matters.
Rev Foster stated he is an independent public appointee as a voice for those impacted by the Windrush Scandal
Urgent Recommendations to improve the Windrush Compensation Scheme since in office:
Prioritising older claimants
Making advance compensation payment while claimants are still under review (at least 75% advance)
Pensions to be considered (retrospectively)
Funds to be reimbursed for lawyer/solicitors fees
Progress is happening, but justice is not yet complete.
So far £118 million to date has been paid out for compensations.
The Home Office speaker Marian Mason said under the Status Scheme they are continually trying to build trust in communities
A Solicitor from United Legal Access - Sibon Phiri shared her firm assists claimants and pursue appeal and have been quite successful. (They offer legal aid)
Tracey (British Citizen) shared her lived experience on behalf of her husband who was born in Jamaica but was stripped of all benefits and eligibility to work. They were awarded compensation not just for her husband, but also for herself and their two sons who suffered financial losses over the period her husband was denied access to benefits and work.
Leicester University sent a representative - Justice for Windrush Project (student led) - They offer free legal advice and run a drop-in clinic
Next Agenda
Urgent reform of the Windrush Compensation Scheme - (Needs to be faster. Survivors should not experience further trauma during this process).
Better support for survivors (right level of advocates/culturally informed counsel).
Everyone entitled to status to receive it.
Safeguards to be implemented that will outlast any government. (Legal and policy safeguards).
Call to Action
A need to hear from the people
People need to know how to apply (with support)
Ensure people know they are entitled to apply for the WCS as many are still unaware
Rev Clive Foster expressed in his last comments that; the Windrush story must become a story of healing and justice. If you or anyone you know would like to share their Windrush story or experiences, please send an email to admin@raffa.org.uk.
Say connected for more Windrush information via our website: www.raffa.org.uk/windrush
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