In a significant development for postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal, the UK government has launched a new independent appeals process for those involved in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme. This move follows concerns that some postmasters may not have received adequate compensation for the financial losses and personal suffering they endured due to the faulty Horizon IT system.
The Department for Business and Trade will oversee this new process, which will allow postmasters to seek a review if they feel their initial financial settlement was insufficient. The government’s announcement marks an essential step in addressing one of the most notorious miscarriages of justice in British legal history.
Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas emphasized the government’s commitment to the issue, stating: “Delivering justice and financial redress to postmasters is my number one priority.” He added, “We’ve listened to the independent advisory board and are working at speed to make sure postmasters receive financial redress as fairly and as quickly as possible.”
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme, run by Post Office Limited and funded by the government, has already reached agreements with over 2,280 individuals, paying out £144 million in compensation. However, concerns were raised by the independent Advisory Board that some postmasters may not have been able to fully present their cases when the scheme opened in 2020.
This new appeals process aims to address these concerns by allowing postmasters to have their claims reassessed, with the possibility of submitting new or additional information. Eligible postmasters can choose between a fixed sum payment of £75,000 or opt for a full claim assessment if they believe their losses exceed that amount.
As the government works to implement this new appeals process, it has pledged to collaborate with the independent Advisory Board, postmasters, and their representatives to ensure that the process is fair and comprehensive. The aim is to address the fallout from the long-standing Horizon scandal and provide justice to all affected postmasters.
