Individuals whose convictions have been overturned as a result of the Post Office Horizon scandal are entitled to an initial interim payment of £200,000 through the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme. This specific amount serves as a significant initial step in compensating those wrongly convicted, with the government providing funding to the Post Office for these payments.
Understanding Compensation for the Post Office Scandal
The Post Office scandal, a protracted miscarriage of justice, has led to various compensation efforts aimed at redressing the severe financial, reputational, and emotional harm inflicted upon sub-postmasters. It's important to understand that compensation is not a single, fixed sum for every individual, but rather involves multiple schemes designed to address different categories of victims and losses.
The exact total compensation paid out across all schemes is complex and continually evolving, reflecting the ongoing nature of claims and appeals. However, specific interim payments have been established to provide immediate relief.
Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme
For victims whose criminal convictions linked to the faulty Horizon accounting system have been overturned, the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme is a primary avenue for compensation.
- Interim Payment: Eligible individuals can register for this scheme and receive an initial £200,000 interim payment. This is designed to provide immediate financial support while their full compensation claims are processed.
- Funding: The funding for these crucial payments is provided by the government to the Post Office, ensuring that victims can receive redress without further delay.
- Eligibility: This scheme is specifically for those who were wrongly convicted and have had their convictions quashed.
Other Compensation Schemes
Beyond the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme, several other initiatives are in place to address the wider impact of the scandal, each catering to different circumstances:
- Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS): This scheme compensates current and former sub-postmasters who suffered financial losses due to the Horizon system errors but were not prosecuted or convicted. It addresses the shortfalls they had to cover using their own money.
- Group Litigation Order (GLO) Scheme: This scheme provides compensation to the 555 sub-postmasters who were part of the initial legal action against the Post Office, which led to a High Court judgment in their favour.
- Overturned Convictions Scheme (OCS): For individuals whose convictions have been overturned, this scheme offers a more comprehensive assessment of losses, including financial, reputational, and personal damages beyond the initial interim payment.
These schemes collectively aim to provide a pathway for all affected individuals to seek justice and financial restitution, acknowledging the profound and varied impacts the scandal had on their lives.
Key Compensation Overview
| Scheme | Primary Purpose | Key Payment/Detail | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme | Interim payment for overturned convictions | Initial £200,000 interim payment | Individuals with overturned criminal convictions |
| Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) | Compensates for financial shortfalls | Varies based on individual losses | Sub-postmasters who covered Horizon shortfalls |
| Group Litigation Order (GLO) Scheme | Compensation for original High Court claimants | Specific amounts for the 555 claimants involved in the group litigation | Sub-postmasters involved in the GLO |
| Overturned Convictions Scheme (OCS) | Comprehensive compensation for overturned convictions | Full assessment of losses (financial, reputational, personal) beyond interim payment | Individuals with overturned criminal convictions |
The process of receiving full compensation can be complex, involving detailed assessments of individual losses and the specific circumstances of each case. For more detailed information on the various compensation schemes and how to apply, individuals can refer to official government resources and the Post Office's dedicated information pages.
