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Relations of deceased Post Office Horizon victims urged to apply for new compensation system

Convictions Redress Scheme to reimburse workers who have not yet been indemnified after being wrongfully convicted after IT scandal

The relatives of deceased victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal have been urged to apply for a new compensation scheme.
The launch of the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) marks the first time that people other than sub-postmasters can claim compensation for wrongful convictions as a result of the flawed Horizon IT system.
Between 1999 and 2015, more than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongfully prosecuted due to faulty software incorrectly recording shortfalls on their branch accounts.
Through three schemes – the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, the Group Litigation Order Scheme, and Overturned Convictions – more than £180 million has been paid in redress to around 2,800 claimants.
But the HCRS will apply to people who have not yet received compensation after the original High Court rulings. It will apply to anyone who worked at a Post Office branch and was convicted between Sept 23 1996 and Dec 31 2018, as well as their relatives.
Freeths, the law firm, which launched the landmark High Court victory for 555 sub-postmasters, said it would support people who chose to seek compensation through the new scheme.
Sir Alan Bates, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to secure justice for affected sub-postmasters, said: “It has taken a long time to get to this point, but now is the opportunity for all eligible people to come forward, clear your names and seek financial redress.
“So I urge and recommend that you contact Freeths to check your eligibility and pursue your claims.
“Freeths, through its work on the GLO and the GLO Compensation Scheme, has a deep understanding of the issues affecting sub-postmasters and those who have worked in Post Office branches, and will offer the support needed to guide you through the process.”
James Hartley, a partner and the national head of dispute resolution at Freeths, said: “We remain focused on achieving full and fair compensation for the postmasters who we acted for in the successful High Court proceedings.
“The Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme gives us the opportunity to help those who have not yet been compensated following the Horizon scandal.
“We want to ensure that everyone is properly compensated to help them recover from the devastating consequences of the Post Office Horizon scandal.”

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