Background
Between 2019 and 2024, the government set up compensation schemes in response to several historical injustices that the state has acknowledged responsibility for, or for failing to prevent. The schemes aim to provide appropriate financial compensation, and in some cases other forms of non-financial redress, to those who suffered harm or hardship by the actions or inaction of public bodies. Compensation is based on claimants’ losses relating to a range of aspects of life, such as employment, education and living costs, and other adversity they experienced.
This factual review follows on from our 2024 report Government compensation schemes, which identified lessons from the design and operation of several compensation schemes. Our review will cover the following time-limited compensation schemes:
- Windrush Compensation Scheme
- Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
- LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme
- Horizon-related compensation schemes
Scope
This factual review will set out, for each compensation scheme, the processes for determining and assessing eligible claims, and paying out to claimants. It will examine the performance of the schemes through their existing performance indicators and other available data relating to the progress of claims through each scheme.
The review will not look at individual claims.
NAO team
Director: Lee Summerfield
Audit Manager: Andy Whittingham