Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted in Part
Direct disputed Horizon Shortfall Scheme first offers to external mediation, bypassing the Panel.
Recommendation
The Independent Panel on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme is already backlogged. To keep cases moving, disputed first offers to claimants must not be reassessed by the Independent Panel but instead move straight into external mediation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, agreeing to internal reassessment by the Post Office where possible, aiming for bilateral settlements, with claimants retaining the option for independent mediation if no agreement is reached.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
• The Government partially accepts this recommendation. • The new Government agrees that the number of cases being reassessed by the HSS Independent Panel as part of the Dispute Resolution Process is causing delays. • The HSS Independent Panel plays an important role in ensuring that outcomes under the scheme are consistent and fair. This is an important safeguard, particularly for claimants who are unrepresented. • However, the Government has agreed with the Post Office that where possible, claims will be reassessed internally by the Company based on the information provided. It will look to agree settlements with the claimant bilaterally following this reassessment. • As is currently the case, the claimant will have the opportunity to proceed to an independent mediation if no agreement can be reached.