Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Not Addressed
Committee took evidence from IPA and HM Treasury based on C&AG report.
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and HM Treasury.1
Government Response Summary
The committee item is a factual statement about taking evidence from the IPA and HM Treasury. The government responds by agreeing to the 'recommendation' and detailing actions related to digital functions, a Technical Design Authority, and strategic supplier relationship management, which is irrelevant to the original statement.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Office to finalise letters to be sent to remaining eligible claimants in Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS). Approximately 24,000 have been sent out already, but further work is taking place with DWP to identify the addresses of the remaining postmasters. This is expected to be implemented by September 2025. Sir Wyn Williams, the Chair of the Horizon IT Inquiry, has recommended through Vol 1 of the Horizon IT Inquiry report that a closure date of midnight on 27 November 2025 be set for the HSS. As with all recommendations raised in this report, the department is reviewing this and will provide a response by 10 October 2025, if not sooner. Should a closure date be agreed, the department would expect that claimants would be comprehensively communicated with so that they are aware of this deadline and how they can apply, noting the ongoing work to finalise letters referenced in paragraph 1.2. On the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS), the relevant justice authority informs individuals who have had their convictions overturned by the legislation. This is the point at which they are informed that they are eligible for redress. The department is aware that not all recipients of these letters have registered with HCRS. The department will write to all individuals who have received a letter but are yet to register for redress, to encourage them to do so. We aim to complete this by the end of September 2025.