Yesterday the Government launched the Capture Redress Scheme to compensate postmaster victims who suffered due to the Post Office’s faulty Capture IT system.
Capture, which is the predecessor to the defective Horizon software, was the accounting software used in-branch between 1992 and 2000 and caused unexplained accounting discrepancies in many sub-postmaster branch accounts.
Many postmasters covered shortfalls from their own pockets, leading to financial hardship, career loss, and serious emotional and personal consequences.
Designed with input from victims, the Capture Redress Scheme opened this week with a pilot phase for 150 applicants. Each applicant will receive immediate preliminary payments of £10,000 once eligibility is confirmed.
An independent panel will assess final awards of up to £300,000, with higher payments possible in exceptional cases.
All compensation is tax-free and disregarded for means-tested benefits, ensuring full access to financial support.
Post Office Minister Blair McDougall said: “After over two decades of fighting for justice, postmasters and their families will finally receive recognition and recompense for the lives and livelihoods that Capture destroyed.
“We can’t make up for everything they have lost, but today we begin restoring some of the dignity so cruelly taken away by this scandal.”
At Bailoran Solicitors, we represent victims of both the Horizon and Capture scandals with dedication and compassion. The DBT funds legal advice for victims meaning, if eligible, there should be no legal fees to pay by victims.
We understand the lasting harm caused and are committed to helping affected individuals secure justice and fair compensation.
We anticipate further compensation schemes will open in the coming months, including for close relatives of affected postmasters and sub-postmasters.
If you or someone you know may be eligible, whether:
- under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals process
- under the Capture Redress Scheme, or
- as a close family relative,
please contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
📞 Call: 0113 266 0735
🌐 Visit: bailoransolicitors.com
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