Windrush scandal: Government accused of 'dragging its feet' over compensation

Payouts could be capped to ensure that no individual receives a 'disproportionately' high payment, documents show

The government has been accused of "dragging its feet" over compensation to the Windrush generation as victims will have to wait until the autumn for a decision on the payout scheme.

Sajid Javid, the home secretary, has committed to offer financial help to those affected by the debacle, which saw British citizens wrongly threatened with deportation by immigration officials.

A consultation will now run until October on the compensation scheme, prompting questions from Labour over the impact of delays on those who have been "left destitute" by the scandal, by losing their jobs, benefits or even their homes for failing to provide the correct documents.

Ministers are considering capping payouts to ensure that no individual receives a "disproportionately" high payment from the public purse, the documents show.

It also emerged that two senior civil servants, who were caught up in the Windrush scandal, were given thousands of pounds in bonuses.

Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said: “Yet again the government is dragging its feet and failing members of the Windrush generation.

“Many of our fellow citizens have been left destitute by the Home Office and the government’s hostile environment policy.

"They cannot wait until October for a consultation to be concluded on the government’s promised compensation scheme."

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Under the proposals, compensation could be capped to avoid huge payouts, while a minimum claim could also be set to avoid large costs for small claims.

"We believe that both these measures would help to avoid any excessively high payments and protect the taxpayer from processing very low value claims," the document said.

The scheme could cover fees from unsuccessful immigration applications, while people who lost their jobs, had benefits payments refused or were denied access to NHS care and housing could also apply.

It could also consider non-financial losses, such as the stress and anxiety caused to those affected.

Launching the consultation, Mr Javid said: “Today marks an important milestone in our efforts to right the wrongs experienced by the Windrush generation – who have made such a massive contribution to the UK.

“Along with the other measures I have announced, the compensation scheme will help rectify the injustices of the past. I want a scheme that is fair, comprehensive and accessible – but we must listen to those affected and ensure we get it right."

It comes as Home Office annual accounts show Hugh Ind, the director general of immigration enforcement who was caught up in the scandal, has been given a bonus of between £5,000 to £10,000.

Sir Philip Rutnam, the chief civil servant, also received a bonus of between £15,000 and £20,000.

The row began when it emerged that some of the Windrush generation – who moved to the UK between 1940s to 1970s – had lost their jobs, been refused medical care or been threatened with deportation as they did not have the right paperwork.

Hundreds of British citizens were caught up in the scandal, which resulted in Amber Rudd's resignation as home secretary.

Theresa May's time at the Home Office also came under scrutiny, where she introduced the hardline “hostile environment” policies blamed for the aggressive targeting of Windrush citizens, many of whom travelled to the UK as children and never received passports.