(qlmbusinessnews.com Fri. 20th Sept, 2024) London, UK —
“Horizon IT Scandal: Sir Alan Bates Pushes for Subpostmaster Claims to Be Settled by March 2025”
Sir Alan Bates, a former subpostmaster and key figure in the fight for justice in the Horizon IT scandal, has urged the government to set a March 2025 deadline for compensating the hundreds of victims who helped expose the faulty Horizon software system. The campaigner, who leads the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA), expressed frustration over the slow progress of compensation payments, particularly for those involved in the Group Litigation Order (GLO) against the Post Office.
In a message to other subpostmasters involved in the GLO, Sir Alan raised concerns that some older participants were settling their claims early simply to end the drawn-out process. He questioned whether the government was intentionally prolonging the process in the hope that claimants might pass away before receiving full redress, and whether the compensation scheme had become a “gravy train” for lawyers.
Between 1999 and 2015, more than 900 subpostmasters were wrongly prosecuted after the Horizon IT system, used by Post Office branches, incorrectly indicated financial shortfalls. Despite securing a legal victory in 2019, the 555 subpostmasters who brought the case saw their compensation reduced due to the substantial legal costs involved. Although the government has since established a compensation scheme for these subpostmasters, the process has been slow, with many still waiting for payment.
Sir Alan criticised the Department for Business for attempting to minimise payouts while inflating legal costs, estimating that £500 million has already been spent on legal fees linked to the scandal. He called for an urgent investigation by the Public Accounts Committee and proposed a March 2025 deadline for all outstanding claims to be settled.
Although imposing a deadline has previously been rejected to avoid excluding potential claimants, Sir Alan warned that he was prepared to take legal action if necessary. He has also scheduled meetings with new law firms to discuss ways to expedite the compensation process.
A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade insisted that the government was committed to ensuring swift and fair compensation, noting that they have made 90% of initial offers within 40 days of receiving claims. Ministers have pledged to continue working closely with victims to ensure all are compensated appropriately.
The Horizon IT scandal gained widespread attention earlier this year after the ITV drama *Mr Bates vs The Post Office* aired, leading to a new law quashing the wrongful convictions of hundreds of subpostmasters.
Former subpostmistress Jo Hamilton recently criticised the lack of government action during her acceptance of a National Television Award, stating that “nothing has changed” despite meeting with ministers. In response, the government reiterated its commitment to providing timely compensation to those affected.
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