A 39-page ‘Post Office and Horizon Compensation’ interim report from the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee (BEIS) has been published today, making 29 conclusions and recommendations.
The committed heard evidence on the specific issue of compensation in sessions in December 2021 and January 2022, hearing from sub-postmasters directly affected by the Horizon scandal and their representatives, the Post Office CEO Nick Read, Paul Scully MP, Minister for Small Business and other officials
Sir Wynn Williams, who is chairing the ongoing statutory Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, confirmed that he welcomed the short inquiry on the specific and pressing issues around compensation, and noted that evidence will be used to further inform his work.
Solicitor Neil Hudgell, who gave evidence to the Committee and has helped more than 50 subpostmasters overturn convictions at the Court of Appeal, is now seeking compensation for each of those clients.
In many instances, this will be in the region of hundreds of thousands of pounds, given the huge impact on the lives of those directly affected and the lives of their loved ones.
In response to today’s report, Mr Hudgell said:
“The recommendations of the Select Committee are very encouraging, and it is imperative they are adopted by Government in full.
“As reinforced during the first few days of this week’s highly-emotional impact hearings at the Inquiry, there are a number of pressing matters that need resolving quickly.
“First, there are many convicted sub-postmasters that remain out there, no doubt traumatised by their dealings with Post Office. An opportunity to speak to an independent intermediary to set their minds at rest can only be a good thing to kick start the process.
“A definite timetable for settling all civil claims would be very welcome. Many of the exonerated are elderly and retired, or in poor health and dire financial straits. They need time to enjoy some of their later years, with proper compensation.
“Proper compensation is also needed for all the ‘555’ so that some of the group are not left to feel further guilt for being convicted, therefore now having a route to full settlement. No one of that trailblazing group should be left behind.
“Independent oversight of the Historical Shortfall Scheme is needed to ensure that in many instances, where there is a short term need for cash, sub-postmasters don’t go off settling claims at an undervalue to make ends meet.”
Find out more about our legal representation for Sub-Postmasters in seeking to overturn convictions, make claims for compensation and to review offers made to them through the Historical Shortfall Scheme here.
Read the full Government report here.