Sir Alan Bates Demands Deadline for Post Office Compensation Claims

In a recent appearance before the Business and Trade Committee, Sir Alan Bates, a former sub-postmaster and prominent campaigner, urged for a deadline to be established for resolving compensation claims related to the Post Office Horizon IT scandal. Bates expressed frustration over the lack of response from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding his proposal for settling claims by March 2025. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing the long suffering of sub-postmasters who have been waiting for redress for over 20 years. During the hearing, he highlighted the tragic reality that more than 70 individuals have died waiting for compensation and many others are still dealing with the repercussions into their advanced age. Despite Bates' calls for a definitive timeline, the Prime Minister's office dismissed the request, stating that a hard deadline could unintentionally hinder claimants from participating in the compensation process. Instead, they committed to ensuring substantial payments to eligible postmasters by the end of March 2025. Bates, however, stood firm on the necessity for deadlines, suggesting that the ongoing situation amounts to an endless wait for justice. Looking ahead, he mentioned a potential return to legal action if progress does not materialize, with former sub-postmasters convening soon to explore further options for justice. This controversy serves as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by many individuals whose lives have been significantly impacted by faulty IT systems and the pressing need for a resolution to their claims. The absence of a clear timeline compounds the distress experienced by those still grappling with the consequences of their wrongful accusations.