Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted
Majority of eligible individuals received payments or offers by March 2025.
Conclusion
According to the Department, there are 111 individuals eligible for financial redress through the OC scheme. As at 31 March 2025, 86 had submitted full and final claims, of which 69 had been paid, 1 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.26
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's report on the OC scheme's progress, confirming the OC scheme closed on June 3, 2025, with claims transferred to the HCRS under the same principles. It commits to publishing further guidance on the HCRS processes, Dentons' and Sir Gary Hickinbottom's roles, and alternative dispute resolution by the end of Summer 2025.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 2.2 From 3 June 2025, claims within the Post Office-delivered Overturned Convictions (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. 2.3 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. 2.4 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.