Victims impacted by the Post Office Horizon scandal are expressing dissatisfaction with the compensation procedures, according to a leaked letter. The letter, written by Victims Commissioner Baroness Newlove to Post Office minister Blair McDougall, reveals that postmasters feel the compensation offers they received were unacceptably low and the overall process was confrontational, resembling a battle with an insurance company.
Baroness Newlove criticized the Government for employing “commercial tactics” such as presenting inadequate initial compensation offers, which she deemed inappropriate for individuals who have suffered trauma. She suggested that requesting more information from victims before making offers would be a more sensitive approach.
The leaked letter, disclosed to Sky News, highlights the distressing experiences of those affected by the scandal, where the compensation process was described as equally or even more distressing than the original injustices they faced. The Victims Commissioner also raised concerns that subpostmasters are feeling pressured not to seek compensation.
The letter urged the Government to reconsider its partnership with Fujitsu, the company responsible for the faulty software, as victims continue to express discontent. Following the revelations, the Government has indicated its willingness to adopt most of the recommendations proposed by Horizon Inquiry chairman Sir Wyn Williams, particularly regarding compensation.
The Horizon scandal resulted in the prosecution and conviction of approximately 1,000 postmasters due to errors in the IT system, falsely indicating missing cash in their branches. Sir Wyn’s report, which was released in July, highlighted the devastating impact on those wrongly accused, with at least 13 individuals believed to have taken their lives directly due to the scandal.
Sir Wyn also mentioned that around 59 people contemplated suicide as a result of the Horizon scandal, and it remains challenging to determine the full extent of the suffering experienced. Despite approximately 10,000 claims being made, the inquiry found flaws in the compensation schemes, with individuals reportedly accepting lower settlements due to the Post Office’s hostile stance.
Public outrage escalated after the airing of the ITV drama “Mr Bates Vs The Post Office,” depicting the victims’ quest for justice. In response to the leaked letter, a Post Office spokesperson emphasized the support offered to affected postmasters and encouraged them to utilize the Horizon Shortfall Scheme for compensation claims.
Additionally, Fujitsu confirmed ongoing collaboration with the government to comply with voluntary restrictions during the Post Office Inquiry and engage in discussions regarding its contribution to compensation. The Mirror has reached out to the Department for Business and Trade for further comments on the matter.