The Post Office's Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) is set to close this weekend, potentially leaving thousands of claimants out of pocket due to the faulty IT system. The scheme, which offers a fixed sum of £75,000 or a higher amount, has received over 9,500 submissions as of December 19th. Despite the looming closure, the Post Office continues to receive hundreds of applications monthly, with 357 between November 28th and December 19th. This surge in applications highlights the potential for many eligible post office operators to miss out on compensation due to the scheme's closure. Stephen Lewis, a partner at Schofield Sweeney, estimates that the number of affected individuals could reach several thousands. The government is paying out billions in compensation for the Horizon IT scandal, which falsely accused and prosecuted over 900 sub-post office operators for theft, fraud, and false accounting based on Horizon data. The original HSS scheme, launched in May 2020, was initially set to close in November of that year but was extended to March 2021 due to concerns about awareness and compensation levels. The two HSS schemes have attracted 13,379 submissions, accounting for 89% of all applications to the Post Office and the Department for Business and Trade. As of December 19th, £812 million has been paid out in fully settled claims and interim payments. The majority of settled claims (92%) have chosen the simpler £75,000 fixed sum payout. Matthew Haddow, a partner at Menzies LLP, suggests that the rush to file claims and the certainty of the £75,000 payout may lead to post office operators not settling for less than their true losses. He emphasizes the broader impact on families, friends, and trust, beyond just financial losses. The Post Office has been promoting awareness of the closure date through paid advertisements in national and regional media and social media. However, concerns remain about the fairness of the deadline, as the Post Office has not disclosed the exact number of affected subpostmasters or how many might be left to apply. Nigel Railton, the chair of the Post Office, and Joanne Hanley, the remediation director, have indicated that they are considering exceptions for those unable to meet the closing date, allowing a couple of weeks' leeway.
