Post Office: County Tyrone sub-postmistress 'still fighting' for compensation

Post Office: County Tyrone sub-postmistress 'still fighting' for compensation

Fiona Elliott, the owner of a Post Office and shop in the rural village of Clady in County Tyrone, alongside her husband in 2005, revealed that she had been personally covering thousands of pounds to offset shortfalls recorded in the system. Expressing her struggle to recover the funds, she shared her sentiments on BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program.

Having initially applied for compensation five years ago following the scandal, Elliott lamented that she had only received 5% of what she believes she is owed. Testifying before the Post Office Inquiry in 2022, she disclosed that her total losses, encompassing wages and the repossession of buy-to-let properties, amounted to around £1 million. She conveyed the arduous journey of seeking restitution, indicating that cases like hers often encounter delays in receiving compensation.

Amid her appeals for compensation, Elliott has been advised to apply for the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), tailored for sub-postmasters who were not convicted or part of the Group Litigation Order court action but contend that they experienced shortfalls due to Horizon. The scheme presents individuals with a fixed payment of £75,000 or the option to undergo an application assessment. Feeling disheartened by the process, she expressed her frustration at what she perceives as a prolonged and inefficient system.

Expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the current scheme, Elliott highlighted the prolonged wait endured by many sub-postmasters awaiting remuneration. She underscored the challenges faced in obtaining full and fair redress, noting that the journey from a 5% offer to a complete compensation package could be prolonged. Despite the obstacles, she remains resolute in her determination to persist until justice is served, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals grappling with the aftermath of the scandal

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