The Horizon Compensation Advisory Board has dismissed allegations from campaign leader Sir Alan Bates, asserting that the compensation process for wronged sub-postmasters does not operate as a “kangaroo court”. The dispute arose after Sir Alan claimed he received a “take it or leave it” offer that is significantly below his expectations.
Arrière-plan
The compensation issue stems from the wrongful prosecutions of over 900 sub-postmasters between 1999 and 2015. Many were unjustly accused of financial discrepancies due to faults in the Horizon IT system, which inaccurately reported account shortfalls. Amidst growing public attention, particularly following an ITV drama titled Mr Bates vs The Post Office, the UK government established a dedicated compensation fund to assist affected individuals. However, progress in administering these claims has been described as slow, leaving many sub-postmasters still awaiting redress.
Sir Alan, who spearheaded a group legal action involving 555 sub-postmasters against the Post Office, expressed frustration over what he perceives as shifting expectations in the compensation process. He has publicly argued that claims are being unfairly dismissed, exacerbating the distress of those who have already endured significant hardships.
Réponse Officielle
In response to Sir Alan’s accusations, the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board released a statement reaffirming their commitment to a transparent compensation procedure. They noted that Sir Alan was instrumental in the creation of the framework, which includes oversight by a “highly respected” judge tasked with final assessments. “We do not agree with the criticisms,” the Board stated, emphasizing that all decisions made are intended to facilitate a fair resolution for the many affected parties.
The Board characterized the notion of a “take it or leave it” offer as necessary to ensure closure for those seeking recompense. “At some stage, the matter has to come to an end and someone has to decide,” they added, underscoring the need for an efficient resolution to a complex issue.
Concerns Over Compensation Structure
Sir Alan has pointed out that the latest compensation offer he received amounts to only 49.2% of his original claim, causing him to label the process as “non-legalistic,” which he feels has ultimately proven ineffective. He criticized the board’s assurances that the compensation scheme would be straightforward, stating that such promises had become “worthless”.
Under the Group Litigation Order (GLO) framework, claimants have the option to accept a set compensation of £75,000 or negotiate their own settlement. The disparity between expected and actual compensation values has led to claims of discontent among sub-postmasters, many of whom feel the system lacks the necessary urgency and fairness.
Conclusion
As frustrations mount, the future of the compensation process for the wrongly prosecuted sub-postmasters remains uncertain. Stakeholders, including Sir Alan Bates and the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board, are at a crossroads, with critical debates surrounding the integrity and effectiveness of the compensation measures still ongoing. As affected individuals continue to await payouts, the calls for reform in the approach to compensation grow louder, emphasizing the need for a just outcome for those impacted by the Horizon IT scandal.
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