Summary
The Post Office Horizon scandal involved more than 900 sub-postmasters who were wrongly prosecuted because of faulty software, known as the Horizon system. A public inquiry is underway, and compensation schemes have paid over £1 billion to affected individuals. The scandal gained public attention after a TV drama highlighted the issue.
Key Facts
- The Horizon computer system gave incorrect data, leading to over 900 sub-postmasters being wrongfully prosecuted.
- The Post Office prosecuted 700 individuals between 1999 and 2015, while other bodies brought 283 more cases.
- In 2019, the Post Office agreed to pay £58 million in compensation, although much went to legal costs.
- Convictions for many sub-postmasters were overturned in 2021 following legal action.
- A TV drama, "Mr Bates vs The Post Office," increased public awareness of the scandal.
- Compensation schemes have awarded more than £1 billion to over 7,300 affected sub-postmasters as of June 2025.
- The Horizon system is still used, but improvements are being made with plans to replace it.
- A public inquiry started in 2022 to investigate the scandal and gather evidence from involved parties.
