Postmasters whose convictions have been overturned by the Post Office Offences Act – including that passed by the Scottish Government – can now apply to a new redress scheme.
Specifically designed for postmasters whose conviction was not already overturned by the courts, the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) gives victims the choice of taking a fixed settlement of £600,000 or having a fully detailed assessment.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the government has claimed that the new scheme will provide swift and fair redress without bureaucracy, allowing those affected to rebuild their lives.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Postmasters have suffered immeasurably so I hope today’s new redress scheme brings some relief to postmasters who have waited far too long to get back the money that is rightfully theirs.
“Any postmaster who thinks they are eligible for this scheme can come forward and register. We know that every case is different, and this government fully supports the right of every postmaster to choose what is best for them.”
Postmasters eligible can either accept a fixed settlement of £600,000 or those who believe their losses exceed that amount can choose a full claim assessment route. This will mean their application will be fully examined by a team of dedicated caseworkers in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
DBT will work closely with the Ministry of Justice to confirm the eligibility of individuals registering for the scheme and postmasters with overturned convictions will begin to receive written confirmation of their exoneration from the Ministry of Justice from this week.
The letters will also explain how criminal justice agencies will be amending their court and criminal records. If there is insufficient evidence to confirm that a conviction can be quashed, postmasters may receive a request to submit further information.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood, said:
“Justice must be a reality, not an ideal. Today we begin putting this into practice by overturning the convictions of the innocent postmasters affected by this inexplicable and unprecedented miscarriage of justice.
“I pay tribute to those hard-working men and women for their courage and determination. I am pleased today we can begin to right this wrong and ensure they are quickly and fairly compensated.”
The Government has committed to paying all reasonable legal fees for postmasters’ legal representation.
