Victims impacted by the Post Office Horizon scandal are expressing dissatisfaction with the compensation procedures, according to a leaked letter. The Victims Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, detailed in a communication to Post Office minister Blair McDougall that affected postmasters viewed the compensation offers as inadequately low and the overall process as confrontational, akin to battling an insurance company. The leaked letter, obtained by Sky News, revealed that the compensation process was perceived by some as equally distressing or even more distressing than the initial investigation and injustice they faced.
Baroness Newlove urged the Government to refrain from employing “commercial tactics” such as presenting insufficient initial compensation packages, particularly when dealing with traumatized victims. She suggested that requesting more information before making an offer would be more appropriate than presenting an offer that could offend the victim. Additionally, the commissioner highlighted that subpostmasters felt pressured not to pursue compensation.
The letter also criticized the government’s ongoing collaboration with Fujitsu, the company responsible for the flawed software. Following the letter’s submission on October 3, the Government indicated its intention to adopt most of the recommendations proposed by Horizon Inquiry chairman Sir Wyn Williams, including those related to compensation.
The scandal, which led to the false implication and conviction of around 1,000 postmasters due to errors in the IT system, had devastating consequences for the affected individuals and their families. The inquiry report by Sir Wyn Williams highlighted the flawed nature of the compensation schemes, indicating that individuals accepted subpar offers due to the Post Office’s confrontational approach.
The public outcry escalated after the broadcast of the ITV drama “Mr Bates Vs The Post Office,” shedding light on the victims’ fight for justice. In response to the leaked letter, a Post Office spokesperson emphasized their active support for postmasters and encouraged them to submit claims to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme promptly.
Fujitsu, in a statement, confirmed their commitment to cooperating with the government during the ongoing Post Office Inquiry and discussions regarding compensation. The Mirror reached out to the Department for Business and Trade for comments.
To facilitate claim submissions, a national advertising campaign will soon be launched urging current and former postmasters to submit their claims by January 31, 2026.