New pathways for postmasters' compensation

Thousands of postmasters impacted by the Horizon and Capture scandals are set to receive new support measures as the Government outlines its latest actions to facilitate fair compensation. An announcement from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade has detailed a package aimed at providing pathways to conclusion for redress schemes, bolstering scrutiny, and commencing an independent investigation into pre-Horizon software systems.

The harm caused by these scandals has been profound, affecting the financial, personal, and reputational well-being of many postmasters, most of whom were innocent victims of a faulty system. Post Office Minister, Kate Dearden expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "We must never lose sight of the suffering caused by the Horizon and Capture scandals. Behind every pound of compensation paid is a person whose life has been turned upside down by the scandal." To date, over £1.7 billion has been compensated to more than 14,000 affected individuals, with a notable 87% of Horizon claims settled.

To ensure these individuals have closure, the government has introduced deadlines for the two remaining redress schemes. The Capture Redress Scheme will cease to accept new applications on 31 March 2027, while the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme will close to submissions on 31 July 2027. This provides clarity for postmasters still navigating the claims process.

In a bid to reinforce fairness, new routes for reviewing and appealing compensation claims have also been established, particularly for the Horizon Shortfalls Scheme (HSS). A new independent review process is set to commence for postmasters whose claims were previously deemed lacking in evidence, as well as for individuals who believe their fixed sum offers were insufficient.

Furthermore, to delve deeper into the issues surrounding the software used prior to the introduction of Horizon, an independent investigation has been commissioned. This decision comes following recommendations from the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Select Committee and is expected to shed light on the full extent of any systemic issues that may have contributed to the scandals.

Additional measures include the ongoing Horizon Family Members Redress Scheme, where claims processing is anticipated to begin early next year, acknowledging that the impact of these events has extended beyond just the postmasters. The government also confirmed that its Restorative Justice programme is operational, providing a voluntary route for postmasters and affected family members seeking resolution and closure.

As of late September 2026, around £1.731 billion has been disbursed through Horizon Redress schemes, alongside over £9 million allocated to the Capture Redress Scheme, marking significant steps toward justice for the affected postmasters and their families.