Recognition Payments for Post Office Capture Victims on the Horizon
Acknowledgement: Acknowledged victims in the Second Post Office Scandal set to receive 'acknowledgement' payments prior to full compensation
In an update for those affected by the Post Office Capture scandal, the government has announced temporary 'recognition' payments to the victims before they receive full compensation. Initial figures suggest these payments could reach up to £10,000 per person, although the exact amount is yet to be finalised.
Capture was a flawed computer system used by sub-postmasters throughout the 1990s, preceding what became known as the Horizon scandal. Last year, a report found the software to be likely responsible for accounting errors.
A redress scheme is underway for the affected individuals and should be introduced by the end of summer. Steve Marston, a former Capture user, shared a positive outlook after a government meeting, emphasizing the need for prompt recognition for victims and their families.
Meanwhile, Ken Tooby, whose late wife June was a Capture victim, is seriously ill in hospital. The family has pleaded with the government to expedite the resolution of the Capture issue. June Tooby was a self-represented plaintiff in court in 2003, questioning the Post Office's "faulty" software system. Her evidence led to a Kroll investigation concluding there was a "reasonable likelihood" the software caused accounting errors.
An anonymous victim also expressed frustration with the slow progress of redress, comparing the process to "pulling teeth." They raised concerns about potential interim payments being insufficient and may imply an attempt by the government to "keep people sweet."
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is currently investigating 28 convictions related to Capture, with decisions expected on whether to refer cases to the Court of Appeal by the end of the year.
On the legal front, Neil Hudgell, a lawyer representing Capture victims, reported positive dialogues between government officials and families. He emphasized the importance of expediting the redress process, as victims yearn for closure. A "guesstimate" offered by Mr. Hudgell is that redress could begin "to flow... in the second half of the year."
As the redress scheme moves forward, it is crucial to address victims' concerns swiftly and fairly. An apology from the Post Office and the initiation of a review by the CCRC are steps towards justice for those who have suffered due to the malfunctioning Capture system.
On the Timeline for the Post Office Capture Redress Scheme
Currently, the Capture redress scheme is in development. In January 2025, former subpostmasters were invited to participate in developing the compensation scheme for victims. Advancements made in setting up the scheme have brought some ease to the process for victims; however, uncertainties persist regarding the equitability of payments compared to those offered to Horizon scandal victims.
The CCRC is reviewing potential wrongful convictions associated with the Capture system, with 28 cases currently under review. Additionally, the Post Office made its first official apology to a subpostmaster affected by the flawed Capture system in February 2025.
Despite some progress, concerns about the slow pace of development, particularly for the elderly victims who have endured hardship for years, remain. A commitment to addressing the issues facing Capture victims is essential for securing a successful outcome and ensuring the victims receive the recognition they deserve.
As the Capture redress scheme progresses, concerns remain about the pace of development, particularly for elderly victims who have suffered for years. to expedite the payouts and provide the equity equitable payments compared to those offered to Horizon scandal victims.
In January 2025, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) took up the 28 Capture-related convictions cases for review, with decisions on potential references to the Court of Appeal expected by the end of the year.
Victims, their families, and legal representatives like Neil Hudgell continue to express the urgency of resolving the Capture issue and initiating the redress scheme with fairness and speed. He reiterates that the process must move forward swiftly to bring closure to victims.
The Post Office's apologies to individual subpostmasters affected by the Capture system may mark a decisive step towards justice for these victims. However, following through on promises and delivering on the promised equitable redress remains crucial for ensuring the victims receive the recognition they deserve.
