Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Rejected
Provide Horizon Shortfall Scheme claimants with access to no-cost legal advice.
Recommendation
Horizon Shortfall Scheme claimants currently receive no legal advice to help complete the complex questionnaire that acts as the gateway to the scheme. This acts against them receiving the full redress they are due. We recommend HSS claimants be given access to no-cost legal advice to support their entry into the scheme. (Recommendation, Paragraph 14)
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation, stating the HSS was designed for claimants to apply without legal input, though funding is available for advice on offers and future appeals. They acknowledge original complexity and are considering further initial support.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
• The Government does not accept this recommendation. • The HSS was designed so that claimants could apply without legal input, which was informed by the experience of the 2019 GLO proceedings. Claimants can, and are encouraged to, seek legal advice when they receive their HSS offer with funding for reasonable fees provided by the Post Office. That funding continues if they choose to challenge their offer. • However, the Government recognises that the original application process for the HSS proved to be overly complex. It has taken steps with Post Office to address this, including the introduction of the £75k fixed sum with a shorter application form and improvements to the guidance and forms for full claims. • Furthermore, those who are unhappy with an individually assessed settlement which they have previously agreed with the Post Office will be entitled to apply to the DBT-run HSS Appeals Process, when this is established in the next few months. Funding for legal advice will be provided for those disputing settlements through HSS Appeals. • The Government is considering what further information and support can be introduced for claimants to help them make out their initial claims. It will report back to the Committee accordingly.