Post Office to engage in negotiations during HSSA appeal period

Prior to the publication of the Inquiry's report, DBT agreed that instead of a nine-month period for postmasters to submit a full appeal there should be a three-month deadline to notify the Department of an intention to appeal. Post Office will work with postmasters and their legal advisers to progress claims in the DRP during the three-month election window as advised by DBT and is actively corresponding with legal advisers to ensure that where postmasters wish to meet and try to settle their claims, we can do so in a timely manner.

Prior to the publication of the Inquiry’s report, DBT had been in discussion with claimants’ legal representatives about the deadlines for submission of HSS Appeals. In the light of the representatives’ concerns, DBT has agreed that, instead of a 9 month period for postmasters to submit a full appeal, there should be a 3 month deadline to notify DBT of an intention to appeal. There will then be a further deadline for the submission of full papers. The deadline for notification of intention to appeal will be 3 months from the publication of this paper, for those who have settled or previously rejected their claim, or 3 months from the date of rejection of an HSS Independent Panel offer. These changes affect the context for implementation of the recommendation. DBT intends to apply it as fully as possible in the new context. Postmasters will therefore be able to engage in Good Faith or Escalation Meetings with the Post Office during the 3 month period whilst they decide whether to apply for HSSA.

In light of concerns raised by claimants’ representatives, DBT had agreed prior to the publication of the Inquiry report that instead of a 9 month period for claimants to submit a full appeal, there should be a 3 month deadline to notify DBT of an intention to appeal. There will then be a further deadline for the submission of a full claim within six months of full disclosure being received from Post Office. DBT has applied the recommendation as fully as possible in the new context. Claimants will therefore be able to engage in Good Faith or Escalation Meetings with the Post Office during the 3 month period whilst they decide whether to register for HSSA. More information about the timelines for registration can be found in table 1 of the eligibility section of the HSS Appeals guidance and principles https://www.gov.uk/guidance/horizon-shortfall-scheme-appeals-process-guidance-and-principles#eligibility

Business and Trade Select Committee noted the government implemented a 3-month notification deadline rather than the 9-month appeal period recommended. The committee questioned whether this gave claimants sufficient time to consider their options before committing.