After more than two decades, the Post Office Horizon scandal has become a prominent headline, exposed by Computer Weekly as the widest miscarriage of justice in UK history. In 1999, the UK government, the Post Office’s sole shareholder, initiated the automation of accounting processes across 14,000 branches, introducing a centralised Fujitsu computer system, known as Horizon. This system, initially developed by UK company ICL, aimed to streamline operations by replacing traditional paper-based practices.
However, issues arose swiftly, leading to unexplained accounting shortfalls for numerous subpostmasters. Rather than addressing the problems, the Post Office unjustly accused branch operators, prosecuting many for financial crimes, resulting in bankruptcies and dismissals.
Understanding the Horizon System: Horizon, a software developed by ICL and acquired by Fujitsu in 1998, introduced an electronic point of sale service (EPOSS) to streamline sales transactions at Post Office branches. Unfortunately, problems emerged immediately after its 1999/2000 rollout, causing accounting shortfalls that subpostmasters struggled to explain, unlike the traceability offered by paper-based systems.
Impacts on Subpostmasters: Subpostmasters, not direct employees but branch operators under contract with the Post Office, faced severe consequences. Over 700 were prosecuted, leading to imprisonments, bankruptcies, and financial ruin. The Post Office, armed with private investigation and prosecution powers, used fear to silence complaints and hindered subpostmasters from seeking expert IT advice.
Computer Weekly’s Role in Exposing the Scandal: Computer Weekly played a pivotal role in uncovering the issues faced by subpostmasters. In 2004, Alan Bates, a subpostmaster in north Wales, first contacted Computer Weekly about unexplained shortfalls, initiating a broader investigation. The publication’s 2009 report highlighted the stories of seven subpostmasters, exposing the Post Office’s deceit.
Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance and MPs’ Involvement: Alan Bates, along with other affected subpostmasters, formed the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA) in 2009. MPs, including James Arbuthnot and Kevan Jones, became advocates for subpostmasters after Computer Weekly revealed their stories. The JFSA’s efforts led to a group litigation order (GLO) in 2015, with 555 claimants seeking justice.
High Court Judgment and Compensation Struggles: In 2019, the High Court exposed Horizon’s flaws, leading to a £58 million compensation settlement for subpostmasters. However, slow progress in compensation payouts has left many subpostmasters in financial distress, with some passing away before receiving what they are owed.
Statutory Public Inquiry and Revelations: Following the High Court victory, a statutory public inquiry, chaired by Wyn Williams, began in 2021. Shocking revelations emerged during the human impact hearings, exposing the Post Office’s knowledge of Horizon software bugs and legal misconduct during subpostmaster trials.
Accountability and Paula Vennells’ Role: Despite the scandal, no Post Office or Fujitsu executives have faced accountability. Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells, awarded a CBE in 2019, left prior to the High Court judgment with a substantial payout. Calls to strip her of the CBE persist, as victims continue to suffer.
Mr Bates vs the Post Office Drama: A January 2024 ITV drama, “Mr Bates vs the Post Office,” brought the scandal to a wider audience, highlighting the appalling treatment of innocent subpostmasters. The real victims’ stories were depicted by actors, shedding light on the profound impact of the Post Office Horizon scandal.