Victims impacted by the Post Office Horizon scandal are expressing dissatisfaction with the compensation procedures, labeling them as “more unjust than the original wrongdoing,” according to a leaked letter. The Victims Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, conveyed her astonishment at the feedback received, highlighting that affected postmasters found the compensation offers to be inadequately low.
The commissioner outlined in the leaked memo to Post Office minister Blair McDougall that some postmasters felt the compensation process was confrontational, resembling a dispute with an insurance provider rather than a fair resolution. She criticized the use of “commercial tactics” in compensation negotiations, emphasizing that such approaches are inappropriate when dealing with traumatized individuals.
Baroness Newlove’s letter emphasized the need for a more empathetic and understanding approach, suggesting that seeking further information from victims before making low offers would be more respectful. She also cautioned that subpostmasters might be feeling pressured not to pursue claims for compensation.
Concerns were raised to Mr. McDougall regarding the government’s continued collaboration with Fujitsu, the company responsible for the faulty software that led to the scandal. The letter, dated October 3, urged a reconsideration of the strategies employed in compensating the victims.
Following the recommendations put forth by Horizon Inquiry chairman Sir Wyn Williams, the government has indicated its acceptance of most proposals, including those related to compensation issues. Approximately 1,000 postmasters faced prosecution and conviction due to the IT system’s erroneous cash discrepancies in their branches.
Sir Wyn’s report, released in July, highlighted the devastating impact on those wrongly accused, with a potential link to at least 13 suicides. The report further revealed that around 59 individuals considered suicide as a consequence of the Horizon scandal, emphasizing the challenges in accurately assessing the extent of suffering experienced.
The inquiry report criticized the compensation schemes as flawed, with individuals reportedly accepting lower settlements due to the Post Office’s contentious stance. Public outrage surged following the broadcast of ITV drama “Mr Bates Vs The Post Office,” depicting the struggle of victims for justice.
In response, a Post Office spokesperson reiterated their support for postmasters affected by the scandal, urging them to engage with the Horizon Shortfall Scheme for potential losses. The spokesperson highlighted the assistance provided by Area Managers in guiding postmasters through the claims process and emphasized the availability of a dedicated support team to facilitate prompt claim processing.
Additionally, Fujitsu stated its commitment to cooperating with the government during the ongoing Post Office Inquiry and discussions on contributing to compensation. The Mirror reached out to the Department for Business and Trade for comments on the matter.