Postmasters Still Waiting as Horizon Compensation Review Nears Release

London, 8 July 2025 – Former sub-postmasters impacted by the Horizon scandal are bracing for the publication of a compensation report this week, while critical findings on responsibility and institutional failure remain months away. The delay in accountability continues to fuel concern among victims and observers.

The Post Office Horizon IT scandal, which led to the wrongful prosecution of more than 900 sub-postmasters over two decades, has been widely regarded as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in recent British history. Although the government assumed direct control of compensation schemes last year, many affected individuals are still awaiting full redress.

The public inquiry into the matter, chaired by retired judge Sir Wyn Williams, is preparing to release a progress report on how the redress process has been managed. While this update is expected to cover the compensation frameworks in place and issues raised during hearings, it will not name those responsible for the systemic failings within the Post Office, Fujitsu, or relevant government departments. Those conclusions are not anticipated until mid-2026.

Alan Bates, founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, has expressed frustration with the drawn-out process. In comments earlier this year, he described the handling of compensation as “too slow, too complicated, and lacking in leadership.”

Though the government’s takeover of the schemes was seen as a necessary step following public pressure, critics argue that the transition has done little to accelerate meaningful outcomes. Since Labour entered office, there have been calls for greater transparency and urgency, yet the pace of delivery has not matched the promises made on the campaign trail.

Many of the wrongfully accused continue to battle the emotional and financial aftermath of their convictions. Some have been cleared, others remain in legal limbo, and many are left with no clear path to closure. The upcoming report is expected to recommend improvements to the redress process, but it stops short of the accountability that victims have long demanded.

With the inquiry now stretching into its fourth year, patience is wearing thin. The victims are not just seeking compensation; they want clarity on how this failure was allowed to happen and assurance that that responsible will be held to account.

For now, they remain in limbo, waiting not only for their names to be cleared but for real justice to be delivered.

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