Survivors of the Home Office Windrush Scandal will benefit from stronger, more consistent support, following the launch of a new network of local authorities committed to improving outcomes...
The Windrush Councils Network launched earlier this month, bringing together founding councils from across England under the leadership of Independent Windrush Commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE. The launch was chaired by Councillor Carole Williams of Hackney Council, which is serving as the Network's Lead Council.
The represenative from Watford will be Cllr Aga Dychton (Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community).
The Network will provide a shared space for councils to exchange learning, strengthen local services, and ensure the voices of those directly affected shape the support they receive. Its core objectives are to increase awareness of the Windrush Scandal and the support available, improve residents' access to council services and legal and welfare support, and promote a consistent and culturally competent response across local government.
Speaking at the launch, Independent Windrush Commissioner Reverend Clive Foster MBE said the Network was a vital part of the broader effort to restore justice for those affected.
“The impact of the Home Office Windrush Scandal is felt locally. Residents often come to their council first for guidance or support.
“The purpose of this network is simple: to coordinate consistent support for survivors, share what works, build trust, raise awareness in communities and ensure that every resident receives clear and accessible help.”
The Commissioner also highlighted that recommendations from his office have already led to concrete changes, including compensation for lost pensions, greater prioritisation for elderly and vulnerable claimants, and the introduction of advance payments for those going through the review process.
Councils discussed the barriers they face in supporting affected residents and shared examples of local action already underway. These included oral history projects to record the testimonies of Windrush elders, passing of specific council motions on Windrush, and annual Windrush Day events and celebrations. The discussion also highlighted that the scandal's impact extends well beyond Caribbean communities, affecting people from across the Commonwealth and raising awareness among all affected groups remains a key challenge.
Councillor Carole Williams, Chair of the Windrush Councils Network, said:
“The story of the Windrush Generation lives on – in our streets, our culture, and our communities. The launch of the Windrush Councils Network brings together councils from across the country to unlock justice for those affected by the Home Office Windrush Scandal, rebuild trust, and amplify voices to ensure local experiences shape national policy.
“This is about more than remembrance. It’s about action, pride and progress.”
Members agreed the Network's Terms of Reference and discussed plans to develop a Windrush Local Government Charter — a set of commitments setting out what strong and consistent council-level support for Windrush-affected communities should look like.
The Network also agreed to establish a Community Engagement and Advisory Panel to ensure that the lived experience of those affected by the scandal shapes its priorities and approach.
The next meeting of the Windrush Councils Network is planned for early June, ahead of Windrush Day, allowing members to coordinate their activities and celebrations together.
The Network currently includes Hackney, Birmingham, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Nottingham, Leicester, Liverpool, Luton, Brent, Watford, Manchester, Southwark, Greater London Authority and Bristol. Membership remains open to any local authority committed to improving support for Windrush-affected communities, and councils from across England and the other nations of the UK are encouraged to get in touch.
