Compensation scheme for Post Office Capture scandal victims announced

The government has announced a compensation scheme for postmasters who suffered financial shortfalls due to a faulty Post Office IT system that preceded the Horizon scandal.

The Capture software was a faulty computer system used by postmasters in more than 2,000 branches in the 1990s. It comes as Sky News revealed that a damning report into the system has been unearthed after nearly 30 years and could help overturn criminal convictions.

In response to the report, the chair of the business and trade committee has written to the chief executive of the Post Office to ask for "full disclosure" of information it has on Capture convictions and prosecutions. Announcing its redress scheme, the government said it would "provide fair compensation" for those who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture software between 1992 and 2000.

The scheme is expected to open for applications in Autumn 2025 and will have an "initial phased rollout" for 150 claimants to ensure the process is "fair, proportionate and accessible before wider implementation". Post Office minister Gareth Thomas said: "We are committed to delivering fair and swift redress for all postmasters affected by Post Office software failures.

"Today's announcement represents another important step in righting the wrongs of the past and rebuilding trust in the Post Office." Read more from Sky News:Amber heat health alert issued across EnglandI had to go back to help Gaza's hospitals, says British surgeonSpaceX rocket being tested explodes into giant fireball The government said all eligible claims will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts operating entirely separately from the government. It said the panel will take a holistic view of each claim, avoiding drawn-out legal processes and providing fair redress even where evidence is low.

It will also use a balance of probabilities standard of proof, recommend appropriate payment levels and provide claimants the right to appeal in certain circumstances..