Background
In September 2024, the Government announced that it would be introducing an independent Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals process (“HSSA”). This is to ensure that HSS claimants have the full opportunity to receive fair redress and reflects a recommendation from the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board.
The appeals process will be delivered by the Department for Business and Trade (“DBT”). The central goal of the process is to deliver compensation to eligible postmasters that is full and fair, restoring them to the position they would have been in had it not been for the Horizon-related actions of the Post Office.
HSSA listed firm
We are proud to announce that we have been working closely with DBT is relation to the roll out of the HSSA.
Bailoran has signed up to the agreed legal tariffs which means that any claimants that instruct us will pay no legal fees and we will be compensated at an agreed rate by DBT.
How to apply
On 8 April 2025 the government published details relating to the HSSA including eligibility, timeline and details as to how the process will operate.
Full details are available here.
Here’s a summary of the key points:
- HSSA Timeline: By April 2025, DBT and Post Office will invite eligible postmasters involved in the Dispute Resolution Process (DRP) to transfer to HSSA. Other eligible postmasters can apply starting in early May 2025.
- Independent Appeals Process: An independent process is introduced for postmasters who feel their Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) settlement was unfair. DBT oversees the process, with advice from the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board.
- Eligibility for Appeals: Postmasters are eligible for HSSA if they meet specific conditions, such as having settled or rejected an HSS claim without entering the DRP, or being in DRP without mediation. Those who accepted a £75,000 fixed sum offer are not eligible.
- Appeals on Behalf of Deceased or Ineligible Postmasters: Appeals can be made on behalf of deceased or incapable postmasters if the representative meets legal criteria.
- Legal Support: Postmasters are encouraged to seek legal representation for appeals. Legal advice is funded by DBT within a set tariff (as set out above) which Bailoran has signed up to.
- Appeal Process and Deadlines: Appeals must be submitted within 9 months of settlement or rejection. No late appeals will be accepted.
- Appeal Costs: There is no cost to make an appeal, but postmasters must avoid firms offering “no-win, no-fee” arrangements. Legal fees are covered by DBT under a tariff.
- Assessment of Appeals: Appeals are reviewed by an external legal firm, with potential escalation to an Independent Panel or a Reviewer if disputes arise.
- Outcome of Appeals: Postmasters may receive an uplift to their original offer, or the original settlement may stand. Compensation is exempt from income tax and does not affect means-tested benefits.
- Interest on Compensation: Interest is applied to compensation in some cases, depending on the situation, but not all losses qualify for interest.
What happens next?
DBT has indicated it will publish the documentation needed to launch an appeal, including the registration and application forms by the end of this month (April 2025).
At the same time, DBT will start to write to the representatives of potentially eligible postmasters (or where they are not represented, directly to postmasters) currently in Post Office’s Dispute Resolution Process, inviting postmasters to transfer to HSSA.
Contact us
At Bailoran, we understand the profound challenges the Post Office’s defective Horizon software has caused. We’re here to help you navigate the path towards justice and compensation with confidence.
We have experience advising postmasters involved in the Horizon Scandal.
If you need any help or further information about the HSS appeals process, or about any type of dispute with the Post Office, please contact us at info@bailoransolicitors.com or 0113 266 0735 to speak to one of our legal experts.
Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice.