The ongoing effort to secure fair compensation for postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal has reached an important new stage. Many individuals accepted fixed sum settlements of £75,000 that they now believe did not fully reflect the financial and personal impact they suffered.
In recognition of this, a new Fixed Sum Offer (FSO) Permission to Appeal process is being introduced, giving affected postmasters a renewed opportunity to have their cases reconsidered and to pursue the full compensation they deserve.
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What Is the Horizon Fixed Sum Offer Appeal Process?
Under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), eligible postmasters could choose to accept a £75,000 Fixed Sum Offer (FSO) as a quicker route to compensation.
Following recommendations from the Horizon IT Inquiry, a new process will soon allow claimants to seek permission to appeal their Fixed Sum Offer settlement.
If permission is granted, the claim will be reviewed through the independent Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals (HSS Appeals) process, providing an impartial reassessment where there is a real prospect that the original compensation was undervalued.
Importantly, decisions are made independently of both the Post Office and Government departments, helping to ensure fairness and transparency.
When Will the Fixed Sum Offer Appeal Process Open?
At present, the FSO Permission to Appeal process is not yet open for applications. Claimants should not submit any applications, documents, or registrations until the scheme officially goes live.
Once the process opens (expected summer 2026) eligible claimants are expected to have a limited window to:
• Register for the appeal process
• Submit a concise written explanation explaining why their settlement may have been under-valued
Are Legal Costs Covered for Horizon Compensation Claims?
Yes. A key feature of the new Horizon compensation appeal process is that the Government has confirmed it will cover reasonable legal costs for claimants seeking advice.
This ensures that affected postmasters can:
• Obtain independent legal advice
• Understand the true value of their claim
• Prepare an application without financial risk
Legal costs are governed by an agreed tariff framework for the FSO Permission to Appeal process. Bailoran Solicitors has agreed to this tariff and not to charge postmasters for this work.
Bailoran Solicitors – Approved Horizon Compensation Lawyers
Bailoran Solicitors is proud to be recognised as one of a small number of law firms included within the Government’s approved tariff of reasonable legal costs for Horizon compensation appeals.
This means that eligible claimants can instruct Bailoran with confidence that:
• Legal fees are covered within the Government framework
• There is no uncertainty around costs
• Advice is provided in line with the official scheme
You can view the full cost guidance here:
HSS Fixed Sum Offer Permission to Appeal – Tariff of Reasonable Legal Costs
How Bailoran Solicitors Can Help With Your Horizon Claim
The introduction of the HSS appeals process for FSO is a significant opportunity for postmasters who believe their compensation was insufficient. However, whether to pursue an appeal will depend on the individual circumstances of each claim.
At Bailoran Solicitors, we support clients by:
• Assessing whether your Fixed Sum Offer may have undervalued your losses
• Advising on eligibility for the Horizon appeal process
• Guiding you through each stage of the claims process
We already represent multiple sub-postmasters and former sub-postmasters.
We are one of only 8 firms nationwide named in Government guidance for the Fixed Sum Offer Permission to Appeal.
We’re here to provide expert and empathetic advice. You’ll have a dedicated solicitor as your point of contact.
Contact us here or via the details below.
info@bailoransolicitors.com
0113 266 0735
Next Steps for Postmasters Considering an Appeal
If you accepted a £75,000 Fixed Sum Offer and believe you may be entitled to more, now is the time to prepare. Early legal advice can help ensure you are ready when the scheme opens.
Get in touch to register your interest and we will let you know as soon as the Fixed Sum Offer appeal scheme opens.
The Horizon Family Member Redress Scheme is also due to open summer 2026.
If you or someone you know may be eligible under any of the Horizon compensation schemes, please contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Client testimonies from postmaster victims of the Horizon Scandal
“I am so touched by your kindness”
“Thanks for your speedy attention and expert contribution”
Please note this article does not constitute legal advice.
Contact Details
t: 0113 266 0735
e: info@bailoransolicitors.com
w: www.bailoransolicitors.com