Postmasters Affected by Horizon System: Addressing Bankruptcy and Compensation Claims

The aftermath of discrepancies linked to the Horizon accounting system, utilized by the Post Office from 1999 to 2015, continues to resonate among affected Postmasters. The system inaccuracies led to cash and stock shortfalls, compelling Postmasters to cover the discrepancies.

Unfortunately, this financial burden drove some Postmasters into bankruptcy. Some either initiated their bankruptcy petition, while others faced bankruptcy orders upon creditor petition. The Insolvency Service, alongside the Official Receiver, acting as trustee in bankruptcy, persistently supports former Postmasters affected by these circumstances. Collaborative efforts with the Post Office and the Department for Business and Trade aim to expedite compensation claims for these individuals.

Understanding the complexity of bankruptcy and compensation claims, the Insolvency Service is committed to aiding claimants in assessing the potential cancellation of their bankruptcy orders and directing them to pertinent advice resources.

Several official compensation schemes are available for affected individuals.

Those seeking to explore direct compensation claims from the Post Office can find further details please click here

For individuals impacted by Horizon discrepancies and subjected to bankruptcy/adjudicator or sequestration orders in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, who have not yet contacted the Insolvency Service, reaching out via the dedicated inbox: Horizoncases@insolvency.gov.uk, is advised. Essential details to include are full name, date of birth, contact details, relevant court/bankruptcy reference numbers, location of the bankruptcy/adjudicator or sequestration order, and a brief account of the impact experienced.

For those under bankruptcy/sequestration orders in Scotland or Northern Ireland, information forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

Individuals under Insolvency Practitioner-appointed Trustees, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), or within a Debt Relief Order's 12-month moratorium period should approach the respective authorities for queries.

For those who previously contacted the Insolvency Service via the Horizon inbox, ongoing efforts aim to address these enquiries, ensuring responses are provided in due course.