Post Office scandal victims are urging for redress schemes to be completely removed from government control, as the public inquiry prepares to release its initial findings. Phase 1, set to be disclosed on Tuesday, will focus on the human toll of the events and the compensation schemes involved.
«Remove them entirely from government oversight,» insists Jo Hamilton OBE, a prominent advocate and former sub-postmistress who was convicted of theft from her branch in 2008. She criticizes the government’s involvement, stating, «It’s like the fox guarding the hen house because they were the sole shareholders of Post Office. They are deeply implicated… So why should they be responsible for providing us with financial redress?»
Jo and others are hopeful that Sir Wyn Williams, the chair of the public statutory inquiry, will propose an independent entity to manage redress schemes. The inquiry has been investigating the Post Office scandal, which led to over 700 wrongful convictions between 1999 and 2015.
Sub-postmasters were compelled to repay discrepancies in accounting due to the malfunctioning IT system, Horizon. Currently, the Department for Business and Trade oversees most of the redress schemes, including the Horizon Conviction Redress Scheme and the Group Litigation Order (GLO) Scheme. The Post Office retains responsibility for the Horizon Shortfall scheme.
Lee Castleton OBE, another victim of the scandal, faced bankruptcy in 2007 after losing his case in civil court against the Post Office. Despite receiving an interim payment, he has not applied to a redress scheme. He echoes the sentiments of other victims who want the inquiry to recommend the removal of the Post Office Limited and government from the redress process.
Neil Hudgell, a victims’ lawyer, anticipates that the first inquiry report may heavily criticize the redress claim process for its inconsistencies, bureaucracy, and delays. He hopes this critique will prompt a more efficient and fair compensation process.
A Department for Business and Trade representative expressed gratitude for the inquiry’s work and acknowledged the significant suffering endured by victims. The government has quadrupled the total amount paid to affected postmasters, with over £1 billion disbursed to thousands of claimants. Efforts will continue to collaborate with the Post Office to ensure all eligible individuals have the opportunity to seek redress.
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