Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
OngoingPost Office Horizon Inquiry
Public inquiry into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, examining how more than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted based on faulty Fujitsu software between 1999 and 2015.
4 years, 9 months
Duration (ongoing)
£74.7m
Total Cost
114
Witnesses
96
Hearing Days
303
Statements
Parliamentary Activity 34 Click to expand
2 debates
26 questions
since Jan 2022
11 Nov 2025
13 Oct 2025
13 Oct 2025
Hansard Debate
Post Office Horizon Inquiry: Volume 1
17 Jul 2025
14 Jul 2025
View all 34 mentions →
Reports (2) Click to expand
| Title | Volume | Publication Date | Recs | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Interim Report: Compensation | - | 17 Jul 2023 | 8 | |
| Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry: Final Report | 1 | 08 Jul 2025 | 19 |
Timeline (8) Click to expand
01 Sep 2020
Chair Appointed
Sir Wyn Williams appointed as Chair.
01 Jun 2021
Converted to Statutory
Inquiry converted to statutory public inquiry with power to compel witnesses.
14 Feb 2022
Hearings Begin
Human impact hearings commenced.
15 May 2023
Phase 4 Hearings
Phase 4 examining Fujitsu's role began.
08 Jan 2024
Phase 6 Hearings
Phase 6 examining Post Office Ltd began.
13 May 2024
Phase 7 Hearings
Phase 7 examining Government, UKGI and Royal Mail Group.
Costs Click to expand
Total Inquiry Cost (Cumulative)
£74,726,556
to Mar 2025
Cumulative Total FY20-21 to FY24-25
Cost Breakdown (to Mar 2025)
Inquiry Legal Costs
£24,455,048
Panel remuneration & Counsel to the Inquiry
Core Participant Legal Costs
£15,904,255
Legal funding for core participants
Staff
£4,915,306
Accommodation
£8,851,979
Technology
£4,092,512
Other
£16,507,456
Total inquiry cost £74.73 million (to March 2025). Inquiry ongoing - report expected 2025. Category breakdown: inquiry_legal_costs = Chairman/Chair + Legal team + Counsel; staff_costs = Secretariat; accommodation_costs = Venue hire; technology_costs = Audio visual + Software/IT; other_costs = External document review lawyers + Expert witnesses + Other operational expenses.
Cost History
Recommendations (19)
Respond to recommendations by 10 October 2025
Recommendation
HM Government and/or the Department and where appropriate the Post Office and Fujitsu shall provide written responses to my recommendations by 10 October 2025.
Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) published its formal response to Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report on 9 October 2025, meeting the recommendation's deadline of 10 October 2025 (Progress update, 2 March 2026; Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026). The government's response accepted 17 of the 18 recommendations made in Volume 1 (Progress update, 31 January 2026).
Fujitsu
Post Office Ltd
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Define and publish meaning of full and fair financial redress
Recommendation
The Minister and/or the Department in conjunction with the Post Office shall make a public announcement explaining what is meant by the phrase "full and fair financial redress". Such an explanation should indicate that claimants should be awarded sums which …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) published a statement on 9 October 2025, explaining "full and fair financial redress" as sums equivalent to those claimants would receive in civil litigation at the top end of the appropriate damages range (Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026; Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026). This statement was published on GOV.UK (Gov.uk: Post Office Horizon IT inquiry statement on full and fair financial redress).
Post Office Ltd
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Apply full and fair meaning consistently across all schemes
Recommendation
The Post Office, the Department and the Minister shall ensure that all decision makers in HSS, GLOS and OCS/HCRS apply the meaning to be given to the words "full and fair" when assessing the amounts to be awarded to individual claimants.
Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Post Office agreed to apply the definition of "full and fair" redress across all compensation schemes (HSS, GLOS, OCS, HCRS) and referenced it in scheme guidance (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025; Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). Independent assurance arrangements are in place to provide oversight (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025). However, the Business and Trade Select Committee noted that over 4,000 claimants remained unsettled as of January 2026, raising questions about the consistent application of the definition across schemes (Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026).
Post Office Ltd
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Fund legal advice for HSS claimants before scheme choice
Recommendation
All claimants in HSS shall be entitled to obtain legal advice funded by the Department prior to choosing between accepting the Fixed Sum Offer or seeking financial redress which is assessed. The remuneration for such advice shall be in accordance …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) provides funding for legal advice to Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) claimants at the appeal permission stage, rather than upfront before they choose between a Fixed Sum Offer or assessed redress (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025; Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). An information support service has also been established to explain scheme options (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025). However, the Business and Trade Committee HC 1598 (13 March 2026) concluded that the government has not properly implemented the recommendation, noting that legal advice is funded only at the HSSA appeal stage, not upfront as recommended.
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Allow 3-month window to accept Fixed Sum Offer after assessment
Recommendation
Any claimant who opts to have a claim assessed when the claim is submitted to the Post Office or the Department may decide to accept the Fixed Sum Offer at any time thereafter up to and including the date which …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) implemented a policy on 9 October 2025, allowing claimants in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) and Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) three months from the receipt of their first detailed assessed offer to revert to accepting the Fixed Sum Offer (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025; Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). This change also applied to any eligible claimant already in receipt of a first offer who had not yet accepted it (Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). The Business and Trade Select Committee confirmed the implementation of this 3-month window (Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026).
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Appoint senior lawyer to ensure HSS offers are full and fair
Recommendation
A suitably qualified senior lawyer shall be appointed to HSS as soon as is practicable with the aim that any such appointee will take appropriate action to ensure that first offers to claimants (a) are "full and fair" (b) made …
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Published evidence summary
Sir Gary Hickinbottom was appointed as the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) Independent Senior Lawyer from December 2025, with the aim of ensuring first offers to claimants are "full and fair" and made in a timely manner (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025; Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). He has commenced his work and is expected to publish reports following investigations (Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). However, the Business and Trade Committee HC 1598 (13 March 2026) noted that despite this appointment, the HSS remains "broken" for fully-assessed claims, with offers taking an average of 450 days and frequently being undervalued.
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Grant appropriate powers to HSS senior lawyer
Recommendation
The appointed person shall be given appropriate powers to ensure that these tasks can be performed and carried into effect. If it is considered necessary by the appointing authority, it should consult with the Advisory Board, Dentons, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) published the full details on the scope of the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) Independent Senior Lawyer's role, including their powers, on GOV.UK (Gov.uk: Horizon Shortfall Scheme Independent Senior Lawyer: scope of work). This document reflects consultation with stakeholders as committed to by DBT (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025). However, the Business and Trade Committee HC 1598 (13 March 2026) found that despite powers being granted to the HSS senior lawyer, fully-assessed HSS offers remain routinely undervalued, leading the committee to conclude that the HSS is "broken" for complex claims.
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Require HSS first offers match Independent Advisory Panel recommendation
Recommendation
In HSS the Post Office shall be obliged to make, and the Department shall be obliged to approve (when necessary) a first offer to a claimant which is no less than the sum recommended by the Independent Advisory Panel.
Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) accepted this recommendation, stating that no first offer in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) has ever been less than the sum recommended by the Independent Advisory Panel (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025). The scheme documents have been updated to formally reflect this requirement, and claimants are informed of this upon receipt of their offer (Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). The Business and Trade Select Committee confirmed that no first offer had been made below the Panel's recommendation, meaning the requirement had not needed to be enforced retroactively (Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026).
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Allow HSS Fixed Sum acceptors to appeal with independent permission
Recommendation
The Department following consultation with the Advisory Board, claimants' representatives and any other persons or bodies it thinks appropriate, shall give urgent consideration to whether claimants who have accepted the Fixed Sum Offer in HSS should be afforded the opportunity …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) committed to providing an opportunity for claimants who previously accepted the Fixed Sum Offer in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) to request permission from an independent person to appeal their award under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals (HSSA) scheme (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025; Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). Fully funded legal advice is available to these claimants (Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). The Business and Trade Committee HC 1598 (13 March 2026) noted that the HSSA appeals mechanism exists and is functioning.
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Clarify best offer principle in HSSA guidance with examples
Recommendation
The Department shall issue a supplementary document/announcement clarifying the meaning and intent of the "best offer" principle in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeal (''HSSA'') process demonstrating how it is intended to operate in practice with appropriate examples, if thought necessary.
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) updated the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeal (HSSA) guidance to clarify the meaning and intent of the "best offer" principle, including practical examples of its operation (Government response, 9 October 2025; Progress update, 2 March 2026). The Business and Trade Select Committee confirmed in January 2026 that DBT had updated the HSSA guidance as required by this recommendation.
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Apply best offer principle equally in GLOS
Recommendation
The "best offer" principle which will apply in HSSA, as explained in response to Recommendation 10, shall be equally applicable in GLOS.
Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announced on 8 July 2025 that the "best offer" principle would apply equally across the Group Litigation Order (GLO), Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeal (HSSA), and Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) at all panel stages (Progress update, 2 March 2026). DBT stated that this policy has been in effect since 12 August 2025 and includes a commitment to retrospectively top up awards where binding second panel decisions fell below final DBT offers (Government response, 9 October 2025; Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026).
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Amend GLOS to allow claimants oral submissions at panel hearings
Recommendation
The scheme documents governing GLOS should be amended so that a right is conferred upon claimants (exercisable by the claimants themselves or their recognised legal representatives) to make oral submissions in support of their claim at the hearing convened by …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) stated that claimants in the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme already possessed the right to make oral submissions for up to one hour at independent panel hearings (Government response, 9 October 2025; Progress update, 2 March 2026). The Panel's Terms of Reference were amended to formally document this existing practice, which the Business and Trade Select Committee noted in January 2026 effectively satisfied the recommendation.
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Close HSS Dispute Resolution Procedure when HSSA opens
Recommendation
The current Dispute Resolution Procedure in HSS should be closed once all claimants currently within the Procedure have either (a) settled their claims or (b) transferred to HSSA. No claimant who is not in the Dispute Resolution Procedure when HSSA …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) rejected this recommendation, stating that closing the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) Dispute Resolution Procedure would conflict with the principle of providing "full and fair" redress by removing claimant choice (Government response, 9 October 2025; Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026). The Business and Trade Committee noted the government's rejection in March 2026, but concluded that the broader HSS process remains dysfunctional, with Post Office Ltd's continued central role undermining trust (Business and Trade Committee HC 1598, 13 March 2026).
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Post Office to engage in negotiations during HSSA appeal period
Recommendation
During the nine-month period afforded to claimants to submit an appeal to the Department in HSSA, the Post Office shall engage in negotiations and/or mediation with any claimants who notify the Post Office of a desire to seek a negotiated …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) accepted this recommendation, implementing a three-month notification deadline for claimants to indicate their intent to appeal in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeal (HSSA), rather than the recommended nine-month appeal period (Government response, 9 October 2025; Progress update, 2 March 2026). During this period, Post Office Ltd is to engage in good faith negotiations or mediation with claimants seeking a settlement, with escalation meetings available if agreement is not reached (Government response, 9 October 2025). The Business and Trade Select Committee questioned in January 2026 whether the shorter notification period provided sufficient time for claimants to consider their options.
Post Office Ltd
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Set deadline for HSS claims with guidance on late applications
Recommendation
No claims for financial redress under HSS shall be entertained after midnight 27 November 2025.
Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) broadly accepted this recommendation, closing the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) to new applications on 31 January 2026, which was later than the recommended date of 27 November 2025 (Government response, 9 October 2025; Progress update, 2 March 2026). Post Office Ltd sent reminder letters to outstanding claimants, and DBT committed to publishing guidance on criteria for considering exceptional late applications (Government response, 9 October 2025; Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026).
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Clarify whether HCRS and OCS assessment processes differ
Recommendation
The Department shall make a public announcement in which (a) it clarifies whether there will be any differences in the process for assessing financial redress, between the merged HCRS and OCS, and the process currently operating in OCS and if …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) confirmed that the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) applies identical principles to the previous Overturned Convictions Scheme (OCS), ensuring that no claimant is disadvantaged by the transfer (Government response, 9 October 2025; Progress update, 2 March 2026). DBT stated that case management and independent panel processes are in place to address delays, and Sir Gary Hickinbottom's role covers both pecuniary and non-pecuniary aspects of claims (Government response, 9 October 2025). The Business and Trade Select Committee noted this confirmation in January 2026.
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Establish standing public body to administer future redress schemes
Recommendation
As soon as is reasonably practicable, HM Government shall establish a standing public body which shall, when called upon to do so, devise, administer and deliver schemes for providing financial redress to persons who have been wronged by public bodies.
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) acknowledged the advantages of establishing a standing public body for financial redress but stated that careful consideration of its feasibility, scope, and resource requirements is needed (Government response, 9 October 2025). A ministerial group was tasked with exploring this recommendation, with a substantive statement expected by summer 2026 (Government response, 9 October 2025; Progress update, 2 March 2026). However, the Business and Trade Committee found no meaningful progress by March 2026, noting that the government had not committed to the proposal and the promised statement remained undelivered (Business and Trade Committee HC 1598, 13 March 2026; Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026).
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Devise redress process for affected family members
Recommendation
The Department shall devise a process for providing financial redress to close family members of those most adversely affected by Horizon. Such family members shall qualify for such redress only if they themselves, have suffered serious adverse consequences by reason …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) accepted this recommendation and committed to establishing a new redress scheme for close family members of postmasters who suffered serious adverse consequences, including personal injury and mental health impacts (Government response, 9 October 2025; Progress update, 2 March 2026). Active engagement with stakeholder groups was ongoing during the scheme's design, and while the Business and Trade Select Committee noted in January 2026 that the scheme was not yet operational, the Business and Trade Committee welcomed its creation in March 2026, urging a broader definition of "close family member" (Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026; Business and Trade Committee HC 1598, 13 March 2026).
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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Publish restorative justice programme by 31 October 2025
Recommendation
By 31 October 2025, the Department, Fujitsu and the Post Office shall publish, either separately or together, a report outlining any agreed programme of restorative justice and/or any actions taken by that date to produce such a programme. For the …
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Published evidence summary
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Post Office, and Fujitsu jointly embarked on a postmaster-led restorative justice programme, facilitated by the Restorative Justice Council, with sessions beginning on 23 September 2025 (Gov.uk response, 9 October 2025). As of March 2026, the pilot phase of this restorative justice project, involving meetings for postmasters, was underway (Gov.uk progress update, 2 March 2026). The Business and Trade Select Committee noted the launch of the restorative justice pilot in November 2025 under a joint statement by the responsible parties (Business and Trade Select Committee, 6 January 2026).
Fujitsu
Post Office Ltd
Department for Business and Trade
(Primary)
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