In an embarrassing but not altogether unexpected admission, postal minister Gareth Thomas has said that not all sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal will receive their compensation in time for the deadline set for March next year.
He explained the deadline provided a challenge, but went on to add that there had been steady progress in clearing some of the backlog of claims, although mentioned his target for completion to be a somewhat vague “next summer”.
The March date came about as a result of Alan Bates OBE’s campaigning, and he has gone on record as saying he may well take legal action if this deadline is not met. “I wish I could commit to Sir Alan’s timeframe,” responded Gareth Thomas, speaking to BBC Breakfast this morning, adding: “I think we will have made substantial progress by next summer.”
Speaking to the BBC after, Jo Hamilton – who was also a victim of the scandal herself - said: “They could apply a broad brush approach, and if claims are reasonable, just pay them. It’s almost like we’re being treated like criminals all over again.”
As previously reported, the final phase of the inquiry into the scandal is currently taking place. Former Post Office chair, Henry Staunton, told it that while working for the Post Office he concluded the company was old fashioned and rife with delays and bureaucracy. “With respect to remediation, the government and Post Office were dragging their heels,” he said.
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