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Reported by Emma Simpson, Business Correspondent, and Emer Moreau, Business Reporter
The government has made a significant announcement regarding victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal seeking compensation. All victims making claims will now have access to free legal advice to assist them in evaluating their offers. This development could have a substantial impact on the potential size of payouts for these victims. It is part of a series of enhancements to the compensation schemes available to the victims in response to the initial report from the public inquiry into the scandal, which has been recognized as one of the most egregious miscarriages of justice in the UK.
Following the release of the report from the public inquiry, which highlighted the human toll of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, the government has taken steps to address the recommendations made by the chair of the inquiry, Sir Wyn Williams. More than 900 sub-postmasters faced prosecution due to the faulty Horizon computer system falsely indicating discrepancies in their branch accounts. Additionally, numerous individuals had to use their personal savings to cover apparent shortfalls to avoid legal action.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged that more needs to be done to deliver justice to those affected by the scandal. The government has accepted nearly all recommendations related to the Horizon system, aiming to streamline and improve the compensation process for victims. The government’s response includes offering government-funded legal advice to victims seeking compensation through the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, aligning it with other compensation schemes available to victims.
In addition to providing legal assistance, the government has committed to establishing a new appeals process for postmasters who have accepted fixed payouts under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme. Many victims had raised concerns about being compelled to accept inadequate compensation offers without legal guidance. Various other measures have been announced, including extending the closure date of the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, clarifying the definition of “full and fair redress,” and initiating a restorative justice project for postmasters. With over £1.2 billion already disbursed to more than 9,000 claimants across the compensation schemes, the focus remains on ensuring equitable and timely compensation for all affected individuals
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