Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Paragraph: 22
We are deeply concerned that, despite the efforts that the Post Office Ltd.
Conclusion
We are deeply concerned that, despite the efforts that the Post Office Ltd. (POL) has made to contact them, so few sub-postmasters have approached POL to begin the process of overturning ‘unsafe’ Horizon convictions. POL has conceded that this might be to do with the trauma caused by the Horizon scandal and the Minister accepted that it might also be related to mistrust of POL and the Government. Those directly affected by the scandal and those representing them have also pointed to a clear lack of trust between themselves and POL. If this scandal is to be addressed, it is crucial that all its victims receive justice.
Paragraph Reference:
22
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Although supportive of the intent behind the recommendation, the Government does not propose to set up a new independent body to undertake these functions. The Government is keen to see work to trace and support postmasters with Horizon-related convictions progress without delay and is concerned that setting up such a body would take significant time. The Government and the Post Office are therefore seeking to work with existing independent bodies to address these issues. Since the Select Committee met with Nick Read and Paul Scully in January 2022, the Post Office and BEIS have been working to establish a process of intermediary contact for those who have not yet applied to have their convictions overturned and support for postmasters who have had their convictions overturned and are seeking compensation. Ongoing Activity to Offer Support The following actions are being taken in light of the Committee’s recommendations: i) The Post Office has agreed with the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) that they will contact all identified postmasters with Horizon-related convictions who have not responded to previous communications from the Post Office. (More detail on this below.)