The British government has revealed that it will fast track compensation for victims of the Post Office scandal. Sub-postmasters who had their convictions overturned will be eligible for interim payments of £450,000, an increase on the previous amount of £163,000. Legislation aimed at clearing wrongly convicted sub-postmasters is also expected to be introduced next month.
The measures were announced by Post Office Minister Kevin Hollinrake, who confirmed the increased payments for hundreds of victims who had submitted a full claim through the Overturned Convictions Scheme. The payments will be available while final settlements are being processed. Those connected to the Group Litigation Order Scheme will also be able to claim 80% of their offer if they decide to pursue a better deal.
The scandal arose between 1999 and 2015 when faulty software caused over 900 sub-postmasters to be wrongly convicted of theft due to incorrect information provided by the Horizon computer system. Many went to prison for false accounting and theft, with some financially ruined and others dying while awaiting justice. So far, 101 convictions have been overturned, with individual compensation claims assessed on their specific circumstances.
While £160 million has been paid to over 2,700 claimants across the three compensation schemes, the government has committed to processing offers on a fully completed claim within 40 working days in up to 90% of cases. The Horizon Shortfall Scheme is also under consideration. Individuals eligible for exoneration will be required to sign a statement declaring their innocence, with consequences of fraud ensuing if found to have lied
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More