Overview
The UK government launched a compensation scheme for sub-postmasters affected by the Capture IT system (1992-2000), the predecessor to the scandal-plagued Horizon system. The pilot opens for 150 applicants with payments up to £300,000.
Scheme Details
- Pilot version opens Wednesday for 150 affected sub-postmasters and families
- Eligible applicants receive £10,000 upon confirmation of eligibility
- Independent panel assesses claims for final awards up to £300,000
- Exceptional cases with detailed evidence may receive higher payments
- Families of deceased sub-postmasters can apply on their behalf
- Scheme designed to be "fair and accessible" before wider rollout
- Department for Business and Trade first announced scheme in June 2024
Background and Context
- Capture system operated from 1992 to 2000, causing shortfalls in Post Office branches
- Kroll Associates 2024 report found "reasonable likelihood" Capture faults caused shortfalls similar to Horizon
- Sub-postmasters were wrongly blamed and forced to repay money they never lost
- Horizon system (1999-present) later became subject of major scandal
- Horizon redress schemes paid over £1.2bn to 9,000+ victims by September 2024
- Post Office Minister Blair McDougall stated scheme will "restore dignity cruelly taken away"
System Comparison
| System | Operational Period | Convictions Status | Compensation Status |
|---|
| Capture | 1992-2000 | Not quashed; must pursue via Criminal Cases Review Commission | New scheme: £10k initial + up to £300k |
| Horizon | 1999-present | All convictions quashed in 2024 | Over £1.2bn paid to 9,000+ victims |
Exclusions and Limitations
- Sub-postmasters with criminal convictions cannot access this scheme
- Those convicted must pursue claims through Criminal Cases Review Commission or Scottish equivalent
- Westminster and Scottish parliaments quashed Horizon convictions in 2024 but excluded Capture cases
- Hudgell Solicitors represents 24 cases of sub-postmasters convicted due to Capture faults