Post Office scandal victims now have just one month remaining to submit claims to a crucial compensation programme before it closes at the end of January.
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme, which accepts applications until January 31, has already distributed £769million to affected postmasters as of late November.
Postmasters have only weeks to claim payouts after the Horizon IT scandal
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PA
The scheme was established in 2020 specifically for postmasters who experienced financial discrepancies linked to the Horizon system but who were neither wrongfully convicted nor among those who pursued legal action against the Post Office through the High Court.
Faulty versions of the computer software created the false impression that funds were missing from branch accounts, leaving many postmasters facing accusations of theft or fraud.
Those applying to the scheme face a choice between two compensation routes.
Claimants can accept a fixed payment of £75,000 or opt for a comprehensive assessment of their individual circumstances if they believe their losses exceed that amount.
Hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly accused and convicted for fraud | PA
Neil Brocklehurst, chief executive of the Post Office, said: “I want everyone affected by the Horizon IT scandal who is eligible for financial redress to receive it as soon as possible.
“There is just one month left to apply to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, so please don’t wait applications must be received by January 31.
“If you have questions, our team is ready to talk through your options with you.
“Postmaster representative groups, such as the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, Voice of the Postmaster, or the Communication Workers Union, can also offer support.”
Post Office minister Blair McDougall said: “It is my priority that postmasters receive fair redress as quickly as possible in recognition of the hurt that so many of them and their families suffered.
“The Horizon Shortfall Scheme has been central to this effort, paying out over £700million to more than 6,000 people affected.
“I encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for the scheme to come forward before it closes, and we will continue working to ensure all those affected receive the justice they deserve.”
Applications must reach the scheme by 11.59pm on January 31 and can be submitted via an online form, email or post.
Many subpostmasters are yet to be compensated for the scandal | GETTY
Last week, recently discovered documents uncovered that the Post Office made a confidential deal with Fujitsu 19 years ago to address errors in branch operators’ accounts.
Critics note the document puts into question claims made by the Post Office that they were unaware of the IT errors that plunged thousands of postmasters into financial ruin.
Speaking to the BBC, Paul Marshall, a senior barrister for Post Office operators, shared: “The Post Office conducted both the criminal trials of postmasters and the group litigation of 2019 on the basis that it knew of no substantial problems with the Horizon system.
“Yet this shows that in 2006 there was a very big, recognised problem with Horizon maintaining data integrity between Post Office branch offices and Fujitsu.”