The department of Business & Trade has announced details of the compensation for postmasters affected by the Capture software used prior to the Horizon IT scandal.
Over £1bn is in the process of being paid out to thousands of postmasters across the UK affected as part of the government’s Plan for Change. Capture was a faulty computer system used by postmasters in the 1990s, before the Horizon scandal.
Now, details of the Capture Redress Scheme have been announced, marking an “ongoing commitment to right past wrongs for those affected,” the department says.
This follows the government’s acceptance of findings from the independent investigation by Kroll Associates, which concluded there was a reasonable likelihood that Capture created financial shortfalls for postmasters.
The scheme is expected to open for applications in Autumn 2025, with an initial phased rollout for 150 claimants to ensure the process is fair, proportionate and accessible before wider implementation.
Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas (left), said: “We’re committed to delivering fair and swift redress for all postmasters affected by Post Office software failures. [The] announcement represents another important step in righting the wrongs of the past and rebuilding trust in the Post Office.”
The Capture Redress Scheme has been specifically designed to address the unique challenges of cases dating back over two decades, where documentation may be limited. The Government will set out funding to cover postmasters’ legal costs in the coming weeks.
The new scheme features a straightforward two-stage process formed of an initial eligibility review followed by an independent panel assessment. It promises prompt preliminary payments for eligible claimants, ensuring early acknowledgement of loss and a holistic assessment approach that considers both financial losses and wider personal impact.
Postmasters are eligible to apply if they were a postmaster between 1992 and 2000, used the Capture system in their branch and suffered a financial shortfall as a result of a Capture software error. Applications from relatives of deceased postmasters or those needing additional support will also be accepted.
All eligible claims will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts operating entirely separately from government.
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