Clarify whether HCRS and OCS assessment processes differ
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 so, (b) it explains what those differences in the process will be.
- The Department for Business and Trade accepted this recommendation on 9 October 2025, confirming that HCRS applies identical principles to the previous OCS scheme, ensuring no OCS claimant is disadvantaged by the transfer (Government response to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report (volume 1), DBT, 9 October 2025).
- The Business and Trade Select Committee confirmed DBT's statement that HCRS applies identical principles to OCS (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. DBT confirms that HCRS applies identical principles to the previous OCS scheme, ensuring no disadvantage to overturned conviction claimants. Case management and independent panel processes are in place to address delays. Sir Gary Hickinbottom's role covers both pecuniary and non-pecuniary aspects of claims.
Progress Timeline
DBT has confirmed that the HCRS will apply the same principles as the previous OC scheme, ensuring no OC claimant is disadvantaged by the transfer to HCRS. This recommendation was addressed through the publication of the Department's response to Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report on 9 October 2025.
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 noted DBT confirmed that HCRS applies identical principles to the previous OCS scheme, ensuring no OCS claimant would be disadvantaged by the transfer.
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.