Summary
Victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal can now get free legal advice to help them with compensation claims. This change is part of improvements to compensation schemes in response to recommendations from an official inquiry into the scandal. Over 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted due to errors in the Horizon computer system, which falsely showed missing money.
Key Facts
- Victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal will receive free legal advice for compensation claims.
- The UK government announces changes after an inquiry into the scandal's impact.
- More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly charged because of faulty Horizon software.
- The government accepted nearly all recommendations from the inquiry chairman, Sir Wyn Williams.
- Four compensation schemes exist, with one now offering government-funded legal advice.
- The Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) has been criticized for low payouts and complexity.
- Over £1.2 billion has been paid to more than 9,000 claimants so far.
- A new appeals process will be set up for postmasters who accepted fixed payouts.
