Seeking Redress: Compensation Scheme Legal Advice for Post Office Scandal Victims (29 January 2024)

The recent ITV drama series Mr Bates vs The Post Office has cast a light once again over one of the largest miscarriages of justice in UK history. Recognising the distress this may evoke in those that suffered as a result of the scandal, Duncan Lewis Solicitors stands ready to provide support and guidance to the victims seeking compensation.

The ITV series has raised awareness about the dedication and tireless efforts of Mr Bates and other postmasters affected by the scandal who have worked towards achieving justice for hundreds of victims. More than 900 postmasters were prosecuted, either privately or publically, due to what we now understand to be a system error.  As a result of this many suffered financial ruin, notwithstanding the unimaginable stress that allegations of theft, fraud and false accounting caused. Others were falsely imprisoned, and some even sadly lost their lives, without their names being cleared.

It is a shocking fact that nobody has ever been held accountable for the scandal. Postmasters repeatedly raised issues with the Horizon accounting system, yet they were silenced and ignored. In order to compensate those impacted by the Post Office scandal, several schemes have been set up.

Duncan Lewis’ dedicated Actions Against Public Authorities department is here to support individuals who have suffered injustices at the hands of public organisations, including the Post Office. We urge individuals impacted by the Post Office Scandal to inquire about the compensation schemes available. By doing so, we can assess whether there are additional avenues for providing further assistance to those affected.

The Group Litigation Order Scheme

The Group Litigation Order Scheme is aimed at the 555 postmasters involved in the Group Litigation Order group (excluding those with criminal convictions) who agreed a settlement in December 2019. Much of the agreed settlement went towards legal costs and those who funded the litigation meaning postmasters involved in this were not fairly compensated. Subsequently, this scheme was established to provide these individuals with an opportunity to get the compensation that they deserve.

The Horizon Shortfall Scheme

The Horizon Shortfall Scheme was launched by Post Office to assess applications for current and former postmasters affected by shortfalls related to previous versions of Horizon. It is intended for those who were not convicted or part of the Group Litigation Order court action.

Despite the application deadline closing on 27 November 2020, the Post Office are accepting late applications in relation to this scheme and there is no fixed closing date at present.

The Overturned Convictions Scheme

The Overturned Convictions Scheme allows those who have had their convictions overturned to take a fast-tracked £600,000 settlement, or alternatively enter into negotiations if they feel as though they are entitled to more.

At Duncan Lewis, we have an Actions Against Public Authorities department committed to assisting those who have been wronged by public organisations, such as the Post Office. We encourage individuals affected by the Post Office Scandal to reach out and inquire about the mentioned schemes, allowing us to assess if there are avenues for further assistance. Your inquiries are welcomed, and we are committed to exploring how we can provide additional support in your specific situation. Contact Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

About the Author

Annie Dixon is a Caseworker in the Action Against Public Authorities department at Duncan Lewis Annie has experience representing individuals detained in the police station as an Accredited Police Station Representative and has advised on a wide range of criminal offences within this role. She works under the direct supervision of Supervisor Courtney Smith and Director Graeme Rothwell.