Inquiry Finds ‘Unacceptable Conduct’ Behind Post Office Horizon Scandal
The first volume of the official inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal has revealed severe misconduct by the Post Office and Fujitsu, which led to thousands of sub-postmasters facing false accusations of financial wrongdoing.
Widespread Injustice
The inquiry, led by Sir Wyn Williams, concluded that misconduct by individuals associated with both organizations enabled one of the UK’s largest miscarriages of justice. Between 2000 and 2013, data from the Horizon IT system was used to wrongfully prosecute hundreds of sub-postmasters, while many more were held financially accountable for non-existent losses.
According to the report, around 10,000 individuals may be entitled to financial redress due to the scandal.
Key Recommendations for Compensation
Sir Wyn made 19 urgent recommendations, emphasizing the need for swift and fair compensation. These include:
- The Government and Post Office must agree on a clear standard of “full and fair” compensation.
- Victims in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme should be provided with government-funded legal assistance.
- Family members of those affected should also receive compensation.
- A new independent public body should be established to manage financial redress in cases involving public sector failures.
- The Government, Post Office, and Fujitsu must publish a restorative justice plan by 31 October 2025.
A History of Ignored Warnings
The inquiry details how the original version of the Horizon system – known as Legacy Horizon – was introduced in 1999 despite early signs of unreliability. Fujitsu employees reportedly knew the system could generate false financial data, yet this information was disregarded.
Postmasters began raising concerns shortly after the system’s launch, reporting unexplained discrepancies in their branch accounts. Despite mounting complaints, the Post Office continued to maintain that Horizon’s data was accurate.
In 2010, a revised system – Horizon Online – was implemented, but it too produced incorrect financial figures, further damaging the credibility of the Post Office’s position.
Consequences for Sub-Postmasters
The fallout for affected sub-postmasters varied widely. While some were accused of minor financial discrepancies, others were blamed for losses of tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. Many were convicted or imprisoned, faced bankruptcy, or suffered severe mental health issues. The report also recognizes at least 13 suicides linked to the ordeal.
Failures in the Compensation Process
Although government officials and the Post Office have publicly committed to providing compensation, the report criticizes the process as slow and adversarial. Sir Wyn noted that the Horizon Shortfall Scheme has often failed to meet the standard of fair and adequate compensation.
He observed that in complex cases, there has been a tendency to offer low initial settlements, discouraging just outcomes and prolonging suffering for claimants.
Delays have particularly affected older victims and others with pressing health or financial concerns, worsening the harm they have already endured.
Call to Action
Sir Wyn opted to publish this initial volume early – based on information available up to 6 June 2025 – to allow immediate action on compensation, rather than waiting for the complete report. He urged the Government to begin implementing recommendations without delay.
