MPs propose an independent body to manage compensation for the Horizon IT scandal, criticising the Post Office’s handling and accountability, and urging for swift and just redress for subpostmasters affected by the issue.
Members of Parliament are advocating for the Post Office to be removed from its role in handling compensation schemes related to the Horizon IT scandal, following findings from the Business and Trade Committee. The committee has criticized the Post Office’s ability to deliver fair and timely compensation to the victims of the scandal, which has been described as a substantial miscarriage of justice affecting subpostmasters across the UK.
The committee’s report, highlighted by Chairman Liam Byrne, criticises the slow and inadequate process of redressing affected individuals, calling for the establishment of an independent body to oversee compensation claims more effectively. The Post Office, under scrutiny, has been found to provide misleading information regarding its practices, with accusations directed at CEO Nick Read for inaccurate evidence concerning the use of non-disclosure agreements and engaging PR firms.
Despite Nick Read defending his actions and denying the allegations of misleading Parliament, he acknowledges the need for a more expedited process of compensation. Up till now, only a small portion of the allocated budget for compensation has been issued, which has been called a “national disgrace” by Byrne. The committee suggests implementing legally binding timeframes for compensation payouts to address this delay.
The Post Office has expressed its intention to comply with the report’s recommendations and is willing to step back from administering redress. However, with £179 million already distributed and settlements reached with 2,700 postmasters, there are still cases pending. The Parliament’s focus remains on ensuring justice and adequate compensation for those wronged by the Horizon IT system malfunction, placing significant pressure on the Post Office’s future operations and transparency.
