Postmasters who played a key role in exposing the Post Office Horizon IT scandal from the 1990s will be able to access the compensation they deserve, thanks to a new funding scheme unveiled by Business Secretary Grant Shapps.
In 2019, 555 postmasters who had taken the first legal action against the Post Office over Horizon received £43 million plus legal costs in a settlement. However, much of this money was taken up by the associated costs of funding their case, and they were ineligible for the Historical Shortfall Scheme was subsequently set up to compensate others who were affected by the failure.
Recognising the unique position of these postmasters in the Group Litigation Order group, the compensation scheme will enable them to receive similar compensation to their peers. From today, claimants are being asked to start preparing their compensation claims ahead of submitting their application next year. The Business Secretary has also confirmed that the government will pay £900 per claimant as part of reasonable legal fees to prepare their claim.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I am acutely aware of the pain and suffering that these postmasters and their families have been through as part of the Horizon IT scandal. As Business Secretary I will always stand by them.
“This compensation scheme will ensure these trailblazing postmasters who did so much to uncover this injustice receive the compensation they deserve.”
