Former Subpostmasters Invited to Take Part in Post Office Horizon Compensation Scheme Development

The UK government has taken a significant step towards providing compensation to former subpostmasters who were affected by the Post Office’s Horizon IT scandal. The scandal, which came to light in the early 2000s, resulted in many subpostmasters being wrongly accused of theft and false accounting due to a faulty computer system. In this article, we will explore the development of the Post Office Horizon compensation scheme and the invitation for former subpostmasters to take part in its development.

Background of the Post Office Horizon Scandal

The Post Office Horizon scandal began in the late 1990s when the Post Office introduced a new computer system, known as Horizon, to manage its finances and operations. However, the system was plagued by errors and bugs, which resulted in many subpostmasters experiencing discrepancies in their accounts. Despite reporting these issues to the Post Office, many subpostmasters were accused of theft and false accounting, leading to some being prosecuted and imprisoned.

In 2019, a High Court judge ruled that the Horizon system was not reliable, and that the Post Office had engaged in “oppressive and unfair” behavior towards the subpostmasters. The ruling led to the establishment of an independent inquiry into the scandal, which is ongoing.

Development of the Post Office Horizon Compensation Scheme

In response to the scandal, the UK government has established a compensation scheme for former subpostmasters who were affected by the Horizon system. The scheme is designed to provide financial compensation to those who were wrongly accused and prosecuted, as well as to those who experienced financial losses due to the faulty system.

The development of the compensation scheme is being overseen by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), in consultation with the Post Office and other stakeholders. The scheme is expected to provide compensation to hundreds of former subpostmasters, with some estimates suggesting that the total cost could be in the hundreds of millions of pounds.

Invitation for Former Subpostmasters to Take Part in Scheme Development

As part of the development of the compensation scheme, the BEIS has invited former subpostmasters to take part in its development. The department is seeking input from those who were directly affected by the Horizon scandal, in order to ensure that the scheme is fair and effective.

The invitation is open to all former subpostmasters who were affected by the Horizon system, including those who were wrongly accused and prosecuted, as well as those who experienced financial losses. The BEIS is encouraging all eligible individuals to come forward and participate in the development of the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria for the Compensation Scheme

The eligibility criteria for the compensation scheme are currently being developed, but it is expected that the following individuals will be eligible:

• Former subpostmasters who were wrongly accused and prosecuted due to the Horizon system
• Former subpostmasters who experienced financial losses due to the faulty system
• Former subpostmasters who were forced to pay back alleged shortfalls or discrepancies

The BEIS has stated that the eligibility criteria will be finalized in consultation with stakeholders, including the Post Office and former subpostmasters.

How to Take Part in the Compensation Scheme Development

Former subpostmasters who are interested in taking part in the development of the compensation scheme can do so by contacting the BEIS. The department has established a dedicated email address and phone number for individuals to register their interest and provide input on the scheme.

Additionally, the BEIS is planning to hold a series of engagement events and meetings with former subpostmasters and other stakeholders to gather feedback and input on the scheme. These events will provide an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and provide suggestions on how the scheme can be improved.

Importance of the Compensation Scheme

The Post Office Horizon compensation scheme is a significant step towards providing justice and compensation to former subpostmasters who were affected by the scandal. The scheme acknowledges the harm and suffering caused by the faulty system and provides a means for individuals to receive financial compensation.

The scheme is also important because it recognizes the need for accountability and transparency in the Post Office’s dealings with its subpostmasters. The scandal highlighted the need for greater oversight and regulation of the Post Office, and the compensation scheme is an important step towards rebuilding trust and confidence in the organization.

Conclusion

The Post Office Horizon compensation scheme is a welcome development for former subpostmasters who were affected by the scandal. The invitation for former subpostmasters to take part in the scheme’s development is an important step towards ensuring that the scheme is fair and effective.

We encourage all eligible individuals to come forward and participate in the development of the scheme. By doing so, they can help ensure that the scheme provides the compensation and justice that they deserve.

The Post Office Horizon scandal is a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in all organizations, and the compensation scheme is an important step towards rebuilding trust and confidence in the Post Office.