Apply full and fair meaning consistently across all schemes
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.
- The Department for Business and Trade stated on 9 October 2025 that both DBT and the Post Office had agreed to apply this definition, and that it is referenced in respective scheme guidance (Government response to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report (volume 1), DBT, 9 October 2025).
- The Business and Trade Select Committee found that DBT and the Post Office had agreed to the definition and referenced it in scheme guidance (Business and Trade Select Committee evidence session, January 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedDepartment for Business and Trade accepts this recommendation. Both DBT and Post Office have agreed to apply the meaning to be given to the words "full and fair" as set out in the public statement across all schemes: HSS, GLOS, OCS, and HCRS. Independent assurance arrangements are in place to provide oversight.
Progress Timeline
DBT published a joint statement with Post Office explaining what is meant by "full and fair redress" on 9 October 2025. The statement will be applied by the Post Office and DBT in relation to all schemes.
Verification: Government published formal response to Volume 1 recommendations on 13 October 2025, accepting 17 of 18 recommendations. Total compensation paid across all schemes: £1.38 billion as of December 2025. Volume 2 of Final Report expected 2026.
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 found that DBT and Post Office had agreed to the "full and fair" definition and referenced it in scheme guidance. However, over 4,000 claimants remained unsettled, raising questions about consistent application across schemes.
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.