Postmasters reminded about Horizon claims scheme

By Liz Wells in Industry News 15th July 2020

The Post Office is reminding current and former postmasters there is a month left to apply to the claims scheme for those who believe they have experienced shortfalls related to previous versions of its computer system Horizon.

The Historical Shortfall Scheme was launched on 1 May and follows the agreed settlement last year of group litigation between Post Office and 555 mainly former postmasters. During the proceedings, the court highlighted issues regarding previous versions of Horizon that had the potential to affect branch accounting.

The closing date for applications is 14 August 2020 and there have been 715 applications so far.

All claims will be assessed by an independent advisory panel of specialists from the fields of law, forensic accounting, and retail. The panel is: Alex Charlton QC, a leading barrister with particular expertise in software and IT systems; Susan Blower, a forensic accounting partner at BDO; and Sunder Sandher, a member of the Independent Retailer Board of the Association of Convenience Stores.

Full information for potential applicants, including the eligibility criteria and application form, is available at www.onepostoffice.co.uk/scheme or by emailing historicalshortfallscheme@postoffice.co.uk.