Inquiry to hear updates on bankruptcy, tax and other compensation issues following Chair’s concerns
The Inquiry has today published submissions received on compensation for sub-postmasters, ahead of its fourth hearing on the issue taking place on 27 April 2023.
The submissions follow Sir Wyn Williams’ January Compensation Statement in which he set out a number of outstanding concerns. Under the Historical Shortfall Scheme he said a significant number of applications remained unresolved more than 2 years after the applications were made and that he was “not persuaded as yet that the complex applications within the HSS are being processed with sufficient vigour”. He also reiterated concern about how late applicants are treated.
On the Overturned Historic Convictions Scheme, he said there is “a clear need for an injection of urgency”. And he stressed there would be a need for monitoring of the Group Litigation Scheme, which the Government have since published details of, saying it must be administered “in such a way that no claimant feels pressurised into accepting an offer to avoid the possibility that the end date for payment will arrive and no payment will have been received”.
The Chair also expressed concern about how insolvency is preventing settlement for some sub-postmasters. He therefore obtained his own legal advice from Catherine Addy KC, which was published last month.
At this point, Sir Wyn requested submissions from Core Participants to the Inquiry on issues relating to bankruptcy, taxation, and progress updates on the three schemes.
The submissions and related correspondence are all now available here:
https://www.postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk/hearings/compensation-issues-hearing-27-april-2023
The Inquiry has also confirmed legal representatives of Core Participants who will be giving oral submissions at the Hearing. The indicative agenda will be as follows:
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Compensation Hearing - 27 April |
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10:00-12:00 LUNCH 13:15-15:00 |
Department for Business and Trade Post Office Limited Howe & Co on behalf of sub-postmasters they represent Hodge Jones & Allen on behalf of sub-postmasters they represent Hudgell Solicitors on behalf of sub-postmasters they represent Counsel to the Inquiry (if so advised) |
The Hearing will take place in Aldwych House, 71-91 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4HN.
Notes to editors
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Registration for attendance in the public gallery has now closed, however the hearings will be streamed via the Inquiry’s YouTube channel on a three-minute delay.
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Media accreditation and a feed for broadcasters are available. Please contact newsdesk@postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk.
