Horizon scandal appeals process criticized by victims in UK

Chris Head, a victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal, criticized the planned appeals process for being inadequate. The business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, announced that the new mechanism would only apply to claimants in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme who can provide new evidence. Head argued that this limitation unfairly excludes many who have already settled claims without access to legal advice or interim payments. He emphasized the need for the appeals process to be available to all affected individuals to ensure proper compensation. Reynolds stated that approximately £289 million has been paid to over 2,800 claimants across various schemes, with first payments made under the Horizon conviction redress scheme. He assured that the process would be streamlined to deliver outcomes quickly, aiming to make offers to 90% of claimants within 40 working days. However, Head expressed concern over the timeline, suggesting that the appeals mechanism could be implemented much sooner. The Horizon scandal involved the wrongful prosecution of over 700 sub-postmasters between 1999 and 2015 due to faults in Fujitsu's Horizon accounting system, which falsely indicated missing funds. Although many convictions have been overturned, the compensation process remains contentious, with victims demanding a more efficient and fair resolution. A public inquiry into the miscarriages of justice is set to resume later this month, highlighting the ongoing quest for accountability and justice for those affected by the scandal. The situation underscores the need for systemic changes to prevent similar injustices in the future.