Postmasters whose convictions have been overturned by the Post Office Offences Act (including that passed by the Scottish Government) can now apply to a new redress scheme.
They are invited to come forward and register for the scheme, known as the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS). Once eligibility is confirmed, the new scheme will provide swift and fair redress, allowing those affected to rebuild their lives. Many victims have been traumatised by the scandal, and this scheme aims to ensure that postmasters receive redress without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “Postmasters have suffered immeasurably so I hope this new redress scheme brings some relief to postmasters who have waited far too long to get back the money that’s rightfully theirs. Any postmaster who thinks they are eligible can come forward and register. We know that every case is different, and this government fully supports the right of every postmaster to choose what’s best for them.”
Guidance was published by the Government on 1 August which will allow postmasters to see how much redress they may be eligible for and what will be taken into account when assessing applications.
Postmasters eligible can either accept a fixed settlement of £600,000, or those who believe their losses exceed that amount can choose a full claim assessment route. This will mean their application will be fully examined by a team of dedicated caseworkers in the Department for Business and Trade.
Speaking on 1 August, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Justice must be a reality, not an ideal. Today we begin putting this into practice by overturning the convictions of the innocent postmasters affected by this inexplicable and unprecedented miscarriage of justice. I pay tribute to those hard-working men and women for their courage and determination. I am pleased today we can begin to right this wrong and ensure they are quickly and fairly compensated.”
National law firm Freeths is to advise postmasters and others on the HCRS, following its landmark victory for 555 postmasters in the High Court. James Hartley, partner and national head of dispute resolution at Freeths, said: “We remain focused on achieving full and fair compensation for the postmasters who we acted for in the successful high court proceedings.
“The new scheme gives us the opportunity to help those who have not yet been compensated following the Horizon scandal. We want to ensure that everyone is properly compensated to help them recover from the devastating consequences of the Post Office Horizon scandal.”
Sir Alan Bates, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to secure justice for sub-postmasters, said: “It has taken a long time to get to this point, but now is the opportunity for all eligible people to come forward, clear your names and seek financial redress. I urge and recommend that you contact Freeths to check your eligibility and pursue your claims.”
Freeths are urging people to come forward to find out if they are eligible under the new scheme, and they can be contacted at OverTurnedConvictionTeam@freeths.co.uk
No comments yet