I’ve written several times for the about the Post Office Horizon scandal which devastated the lives of many sub-postmasters, but I’ve never before written about it as Secretary of State for Business in a position of power to actually do something about it.

So I’m proud to have this month launched a new redress scheme to start to right this wrong.

Postmasters whose convictions have been overturned by the Post Office Offences Act are now invited to come forward and register for the scheme, known as the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme to provide swift and fair redress, allowing those affected to rebuild their lives.

Tragically, many victims have been traumatised by the scandal, from lost homes to broken relationships and ill heath. This scheme aims to ensure that postmasters receive redress without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Post office branch managers have suffered immeasurably so I hope the new redress scheme brings some relief those who have waited far too long to get back  money that is rightfully theirs.

We know that every case is different, and this Labour government fully supports the right of every postmaster to choose what is best for them.

Postmasters eligible can either accept a fixed settlement of £600,000 or those who believe their losses exceed that amount can choose a full claim assessment route. This will mean their application will be fully examined by a team of dedicated caseworkers in my Department.

The scheme is a priority for the new Labour government and will be delivered with transparency how it will operate and how decisions will be taken. Guidance has been published this week to give postmasters as much information what will be taken into account when assessing applications.

Following Royal Assent of the Post Office Offences Act, hundreds of postmasters had their convictions overturned providing they met the following criteria: prosecutions were brought about by the Post Office or Crown Prosecution Service; offences were carried out between 1996 and 2018; offences were for relevant offences such as theft, fraud and false accounting; offences were against sub-postmasters, their employees, officers, family members or direct employees of the Post Office working in a Post Office that used the Horizon system software; and the conviction has not been considered by the Court of Appeal.

If someone you know is affected, please make sure they know the redress scheme is open. History can never be re-written, but I’m glad to help begin to ease the pain.

Meanwhile, I am delighted to see a post office branch return to Mossley, as reported in the Manchester Evening News.

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