Horizon IT Inquiry: Publication of Initial Report on Redress and Human Impact of Post Office Scandal
The Post Office Horizon IT scandal has been recognised as one of the UK’s most serious miscarriages of justice, with an estimated 736 Sub-postmasters and Sub-postmistresses (SPMs) wrongfully pursued between 2000 and 2014 for shortfalls they did not owe.
The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry will publish Volume 1 of its final report on 8 July 2025. This long-awaited milestone follows nearly two years of evidence gathering, examining Horizon’s operations, the prosecution of SPMs, and institutional responses to the scandal. The final hearing concluded on 15 December 2024, during which closing statements were heard from the legal representatives of Post Office Limited, Paula Vennells; Fujitsu Services Limited, Gareth Jenkins; and the Department for Business and Trade.
Hodge Jones & Allen represents 17 Core Participant Sub-Postmasters who were wrongfully accused. Hodge Jones & Allen Post Office Inquiry Team welcomes the publication of this first report, which focuses on redress (compensation) and the human impact of the scandal.
Many of our clients endured severe financial loss, unjust imprisonment, reputational damage, and psychological trauma. This report is an important step toward justice and recognition of that suffering.
We remain committed to holding those responsible to account and securing fair compensation for all affected. We will be carefully reviewing the Chair’s findings as we continue to advocate for full redress and meaningful institutional reform.
This is the first of several Inquiry reports, with further volumes to follow in due course, addressing remaining issues and providing overall recommendations.
The Crimnal Defence at Hodge Jones & Allen have the privilege of representing a number of SPM’s as Core Participants in the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry. The Civil Liberties & Human Rights Team and Dispute Resolution Team also represent SPM’s in respect of compensation claims. If you, or anyone you know, is a victim of the Post Office Scandal please call us now on 0330 822 3451 or email our legal experts at postofficeclaims@hja.net.