and worry rumours about interim payments

Hi all

Just a quick post to let you know that the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry has published its first provisional list of issues since being put on a statutory footing.

The subject of “redress” is mentioned. This is important because the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance has so far refused to participate in the inquiry – it says Sir Wyn Williams, who chairs the inquiry, has no remit to consider proper compensation for the 555 Subpostmasters who settled at the High Court.

Whether the new list of provisional issues will be enough to persuade the JFSA founder, Alan Bates, to co-operate remains to be seen (I’ve asked for a comment, obviously). More here.

No interim compensation for some

Earlier this week I brought you the welcome news that one Subpostmaster whose conviction was quashed at the Court of Appeal has been told by the Post Office he will receive an interim payment of £100,000 – the maximum allowed under the government’s Interim Compensation Scheme which was announced last month.

Yesterday three separate sources told me that some of those whose convictions were quashed at Southwark Crown Court are being told they will not get a penny of interim compensation. This is a big story if it’s true, and yesterday I asked several people who would know (including, of course, the Post Office) for more information. No one has yet come back with anything on or off the record, which is odd.

If you know something and can provide me with any documentation (in the strictest confidence), please get in touch.

I’ve written up more details about both the inquiry and interim compensation issue on the Post Office trial website, here.

Have a good weekend.

Best,

NIck