New details on Post Office scandal compensation for wronged family members

The Government has announced new details about the compensation scheme it is launching for family members of postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal

Family members of Post Office scandal victims will finally get compensation when a new scheme opens in the summer.

The Government has announced those left with injuries or ongoing medical conditions would be able to make a personal injury claim. And fixed payments will be in place under the scheme, expected to launch in the coming months.

Post Office Minister Blair McDougall said: “The Horizon scandal caused immeasurable harm — not just to the postmasters wrongly accused of crimes, but to their families who stood beside and suffered alongside them. Today’s scheme recognises that harm and will make sure those families receive the support they deserve, as quickly and simply as possible. “

More than 700 Post Office branch managers around the UK were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015, after the faulty Horizon accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their branches. Others lost their livelihoods and their savings as a result of the dodgy IT system.

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Ministers faced a wave of public anger after ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office told the story of the campaign for justice. The latest scheme will be on top of the £1.5billion of payments already made to postmasters affected by the scandal.

The Government pledged to bring in a scheme for family members following the publication of part one of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry final report.

It has been confirmed that family members who can provide up-to-date evidence of personal injury, or who have an ongoing medical condition because of Horizon, can apply for a full assessed personal injury claim.

And a new route has been created for those who cannot provide this. In cases where a postmaster endured prosecution or bankruptcy, fixed rate payments will be introduced.

There will also be opportunities for postmasters and their families to join facilitated meetings with staff from Post Office, Fujitsu and the Department for Business and Trade to receive personal, face-to-face apologies.

Lord Arbuthnot, of the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board, said: “I welcome the Government’s proposals to provide redress to the family members of Horizon postmasters, many of whom suffered immeasurable harm because of this dreadful saga.”

He went on: “Whilst the wrongs of the Horizon scandal cannot be undone, this scheme will help to give family members the recognition that they deserve.”