UK Inquiry Tracker

Lessons learned: government compensation schemes

Public Accounts Committee Closed Inquiry

Opened: 20 May 2024 Closed: 28 May 2024 Parliament page

In January 2024, the Chair of the Committee requested that the National Audit Office (NAO) launch a thematic review into the issue of government compensation schemes for citizens who have suffered harm, hardship and distress from failures by public bodies. The request noted a variation of approach in how government … Read more In January 2024, the Chair of the Committee requested that the National Audit Office (NAO) launch a thematic review into the issue of government compensation schemes for citizens who have suffered harm, hardship and distress from failures by public bodies. The request noted a variation of approach in how government designs and implements such schemes, and the importance of swift and fair redress for citizens when things go wrong. Examples include the Windrush Compensation Scheme; compensation and restorative measures for LGBT veterans; the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme; and the overturning of convictions and compensation for sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal. The Committee’s prior scrutiny of schemes including Windrush , Equitable Life and the British Steel Pension Scheme highlighted Government’s failure to learn lessons. The NAO agreed to the Chair’s request, and in 2024 is due to report on lessons for government in setting up and delivering compensation schemes, drawing on past NAO work and reflecting the views of those administering various current schemes and those of other stakeholders. Based on the NAO’s work, the Committee will take evidence from senior HM Treasury and Cabinet Office officials on compensation schemes, with additional questions focused on specific compensation schemes directed at officials from across Whitehall on topics likely to include lessons from the Windrush Compensation Scheme, Horizon IT scandal, Infected Blood compensation, and LGBT veterans compensation. Please note that the Committee is unable to consider or assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem you are having, you may wish to contact your constituency MP . If you have evidence on these issues please submit it here by 23:59 on Wednesday 3 July 2024. Please look at the requirements for written evidence submissions and note that the Committee cannot accept material as evidence that is published elsewhere. This inquiry was closed due to the 2024 General Election. Show less