Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Outline plans for handling remaining Overturned Convictions Scheme cases after transition.
Conclusion
Within the Overturned Convictions Scheme, there are a number of complex cases where claims have not yet been submitted, meaning ongoing delays in compensation for these individuals. The Overturned Convictions Scheme was set up to compensate those who had their convictions overturned by the courts. The scheme is separate from the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme, which was created to compensate those who had their convictions quashed via Government legislation. 4 There are 111 individuals eligible for financial redress through the Overturned Convictions Scheme. By 31 March 2025, 86 had submitted full and final claims, of which 69 had been paid, one had accepted an offer and was awaiting payment and a further 8 had received offers. The remaining 8 were awaiting offers from the Post Office. It is possible that claims may not be received for the remaining 25 eligible individuals until into 2026 due to the complexity of their cases. These individuals have received an interim payment of £200,000, with a further £250,000 payment to be made on receipt of a claim. With effect from 3 June 2025, the Department will take on direct responsibility for management of the scheme from the Post Office. There is a 3-month transition period underway to transfer the relevant data and handling of claims from the Post Office to the Department. recommendation The Department should outline how it plans to handle remaining cases under the Overturned Convictions Scheme, including how claims will be handled differently following the transition of the scheme from the Post Office to the Department.
Government Response Summary
The government confirmed the Overturned Convictions scheme claims transferred to the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS), which will operate with case management processes and an independent panel including Dentons and Sir Gary Hickinbottom. Further guidance on these roles and the Alternative Dispute Resolution process will be published by the end of Summer 2025.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. (OC) scheme claims were transferred across to be administered under the Department- delivered Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme, and the OC scheme closed. The department confirms that the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme will apply the same principles as the previous OC scheme, ensuring no OC claimant is disadvantaged by the transfer to HCRS. HCRS aims to identify delays and move cases forward, similar to the OC scheme, with case management processes and an independent panel. Case management involves resolving disputes with an independent party when bilateral agreement is not reached. Dentons (law firm) and Sir Gary Hickinbottom (retired Court of Appeal judge) will manage cases as needed. Sir Gary will cover both pecuniary and non-pecuniary aspects of claims. Before case management, the department will engage with claimants' legal representatives to resolve claims early. In addition to the above which answers the Committee’s recommendation, there is a further recommendation from Sir Wyn Williams for a public announcement clarifying any differences in the financial redress process between HCRS and OC, we will publish further guidance on the roles of Dentons and Sir Gary Hickinbottom, as well as on the Alternative Dispute Resolution process, by the end of Summer 2025. The department is engaging with OC claimants' legal representatives, hoping Sir Wyn Williams' recent Inquiry report will encourage them to submit their claims for consideration by the department and the independent panel.