The UK government announced on June 22, 2026, that unclaimed compensation from late Windrush scandal victims will be used to fund a new prize for British Caribbean playwrights. The Windrush Playwriting Prize will award £25,000 annually to a playwright of Caribbean heritage, with the first winner to be announced in 2027.
Details of the prize
The prize is funded by money left unclaimed from the Windrush Compensation Scheme, which was set up to compensate victims of the Windrush scandal. According to the Home Office, approximately £2.3 million in compensation payments intended for deceased victims remains unclaimed. This money will be redirected to the prize fund over the next five years.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The Windrush generation made an immeasurable contribution to our country, and it is a tragedy that many never received the compensation they were owed. This prize ensures their legacy lives on, celebrating the extraordinary talent of British Caribbean playwrights.”
Impact and reaction
The prize has been welcomed by arts organizations and campaigners. The Royal Court Theatre and the National Theatre will partner to administer the award, offering the winner a staged reading and development support. Patrick Vernon, a Windrush campaigner, said: “This is a creative way to turn a painful chapter into something positive. It honours those who were wronged and inspires the next generation of storytellers.”
The government estimates that around 400 eligible claimants died before receiving compensation, with an average of £5,750 per person unclaimed. The prize aims to run for at least 10 years, with potential extension if more unclaimed funds are identified.
