Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Paragraph: 69
We have recommended in this Report that the Government set up a properly resourced independent...
Recommendation
We have recommended in this Report that the Government set up a properly resourced independent intermediary to assist sub-postmasters seeking to overturn convictions and seek compensation. We recommend that this same body should also be tasked with assisting sub-postmasters who are accessing the Historic Shortfall Scheme. This should include providing claimants with access to forensic accountants and legal experts who can offer advice to help ensure that claims are as robust as possible, that offers take account of all the losses suffered and that claimants do not suffer significant detriment because records have not been kept by the Post Office or other relevant organisations.
Paragraph Reference:
69
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
As noted in Recommendation 2, the Government is supportive of the intention behind the recommendation but is concerned that the time needed to set up such an independent body is likely to lead to additional delays and ongoing frustration for affected postmasters. Furthermore, the Historical Shortfall Scheme has already closed for applications and as of 31 March, the Scheme is 51% of the way through offers being made and assessment is underway on applications more widely. When the Historical Shortfall Scheme was devised, independence was built into the foundations of the Scheme and decision-making process. This includes the use of an independent advisory panel to make recommendations to the Post Office on settlement offers under the Scheme, as set out in the response to Recommendations 8 and 11. The Scheme also aims to ensure that postmasters are not penalised for a lack of evidence, as set out in the response to Recommendation 15. In addition, postmasters already have access to support during the process through various measures, including: i) access to an independent well-being helpline that was established at the beginning of the Scheme to provide counselling for anyone contacting the Post Office; ii) a commitment from the Post Office to cover legal fees incurred by postmasters up to £1,200; and iii) support of a Post Office representative with in-depth knowledge of running a Post Office branch during the Dispute Resolution Procedure (more detail on this support is covered in Recommendations 8 and 16). Independent support Given the Committee’s recommendation for further independence and the need for support for claimants in the Historical Shortfall Scheme, as noted in Recommendation 2, the Government has advised the Post Office to take further action in this area, including appointing an intermediary body to provide independent advice to postmasters who come forward, to assist them with routes to compensation, the availability of legal advice and to strengthen the emotional and well-being support being provided to postmasters.