Amend Limitation Act to extend GLO deadline if needed
HM Government shall bring forward as soon as possible legislation amending section 11(3)(a) of the Limitation Act 1980 to allow payments of compensation under the GLO scheme to be made to applicants after midnight on 7 August 2024 if that proves to be necessary.
- The Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Act 2024 (c. 1) received Royal Assent on 23 January 2024, establishing a statutory framework for the compensation schemes (Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Act 2024).
- The Business and Trade Select Committee noted the Limitation Act amendment had not been brought forward as a standalone bill as originally recommended (Business and Trade Select Committee evidence session, January 2026).
- The GLO scheme continued operating beyond August 2024 without the specific Limitation Act amendment recommended.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartDepartment for Business and Trade accepts this recommendation in principle. The Department is determined to deliver the GLO scheme by August 2024 and will consider bringing forward legislation if the deadline appears to be at risk.
Progress Timeline
Verification: Interim report recommendations largely implemented through Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Act 2024 and scheme operational changes. HSS closing date set as 31 January 2026. Sir Gary Hickinbottom appointed to oversee scheme fairness.
Government response: Accepted in principle. Department for Business and Trade accepts this recommendation in principle. The Department is determined to deliver the GLO scheme by August 2024 and will consider bringing forward legislation if the ...
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Business and Trade Select Committee noted the Limitation Act amendment had not been brought forward as a standalone bill. The government intended to deliver the GLO scheme by August 2024 and was considering longer-term legislative options.
View detailed findings
Business and Trade Committee held an evidence session on 6 January 2026 with witnesses from Fujitsu, the CCRC, DBT and MoJ. The CCRC revealed Horizon software may have been installed earlier than previously believed, potentially expanding the pool of eligible convictions. Over 4,000 claimants were still awaiting final settlement across all schemes at that date. Government accepted only 3 of 17 committee recommendations in full.