Letter from the Home Secretary to the Permanent Secretary: accessible version
Published 4 July 2019
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Sir Philip Rutnam
Permanent Secretary
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
SW1P 4DF
By email
04 July 2019
Dear Philip,
Thank you for your letter.
As you know, when I became Home Secretary I made clear that it was an absolute priority to right the wrongs that had been experienced by the Windrush generation, which should never have happened. Since then I have built on the Commonwealth Citizens’ Taskforce and established the Windrush Scheme, ensuring those affected can access the support they need to demonstrate their lawful status in the UK; initiated a full lessons learned review; and launched the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
The Scheme reflected the outcome of a public consultation with individuals and communities affected, a detailed programme of outreach and engagement, and the guidance of its independent advisor, Martin Forde. It represents my commitment to the Windrush generation to compensate them for the injuries they have faced, promptly and appropriately, and to heal the injustices caused by the actions of successive governments. I understand that the Main Supply Estimates make specific reference to this Government’s intent to compensate this group of people financially, but that a direction is necessary to make payments under the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
I am clear that we cannot delay, and I judge this action to be in the best interests of both the government and affected members of the Windrush generation.
I recognise the rationale for requesting a formal Direction and how it aligns with your responsibilities as the Accounting Officer for the Home Office given the terms of the 1932 Concordat as referred to in Managing Public Money. This letter is to confirm that I am directing you to implement the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
I note that you will copy our exchange of letters to the Comptroller and Auditor General, and to the Treasury Officer of Accounts.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP