Victims of the Post Office scandal will receive Government-funded legal advice for appeals against their compensation settlements. Ministers announced they are accepting nearly all recommendations from the public inquiry into the Horizon scandal, with major reforms to the redress scheme planned.
The new measures include establishing an appeals process for postmasters who previously accepted fixed compensation offers under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS). Victims will need permission from an independent person to launch appeals, with legal costs covered by the Government.
Inquiry findings drive reforms
The reforms follow publication of the first part of Sir Wyn Williams' public inquiry report. His investigation found around 1,000 people were wrongly prosecuted and convicted across the UK between 1999 and 2015 due to defective Fujitsu software, with many victims contemplating self-harm.
The long-running battle for justice gained momentum after ITV's drama "Mr Bates Vs The Post Office" highlighted the scandal to millions of viewers. The programme brought widespread public attention to the postmasters' plight and increased pressure for Government action.
Government commitment to justice
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: "We must never lose sight of the wronged postmasters affected by the Horizon Scandal, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well. There is clearly more to do to bring justice to those affected. The recommendations we are accepting today will be a crucial step towards this."
Post Office minister Blair McDougall added: "The Horizon Inquiry has provided a vital platform for postmasters to share their experiences of a horrendous injustice. The inquiry's recommendations are a key milestone in correcting past wrongs. By accepting them today, we are setting out a path forward towards concluding this horrific scandal."
Implementation timeline and family support
The Government appointed Sir Gary Hickinbottom as senior lawyer to oversee the HSS, which will now close on January 31st, 2026, rather than November 27th, 2025. Officials said the extension gives potential applicants more time after the busy Christmas period.
Earlier this year, the Government announced it would move forward with redress for close family members of postmasters who were victims of the scandal. A clear definition of "full and fair redress" will be published to provide greater clarity for claimants and their representatives.
Progress and ongoing challenges
Work has commenced on a restorative justice project involving postmasters, their families, Post Office and Fujitsu. The Government is also exploring an independent body to manage redress for any future scandals.
Post Office chairman Nigel Railton said: "I am pleased that we have made progress, with over £1.2 billion now paid to 9,100 people across all schemes. But there is still more work to do." The only recommendation rejected was closing the HSS dispute resolution process, with victims retaining the choice to remain in the current scheme or proceed to appeal.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
