The Business and Trade Select Committee has called for all outstanding claims related to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme to be resolved by the end of 2026. Liam Byrne MP, who chairs the committee, emphasized the urgency of addressing the remaining claims involving Post Office sub-postmasters who were wrongfully accused of theft due to flaws in the Horizon IT system.

The Horizon system, developed and maintained by Fujitsu, was linked to numerous cases between 1999 and 2015 in which sub-postmasters faced allegations of financial discrepancies that led to wrongful convictions. The committee highlighted the need for Fujitsu to provide immediate interim payments to those affected, ensuring some level of compensation is delivered without further delay.

Byrne stressed that rapid progress is essential to restore justice for sub-postmasters whose lives were significantly impacted by these miscarriages. The committee’s call follows ongoing scrutiny over the pace and adequacy of compensation made available through the government-backed Horizon Shortfall Scheme.

Although some claims have been settled, a substantial number remain unresolved, prolonging uncertainty and financial hardship for claimants. The committee's intervention aims to accelerate the resolution process and hold Fujitsu accountable for its role in the dispute.

The Post Office scandal has drawn widespread attention to the failures of the Horizon system and the consequences borne by sub-postmasters nationwide. The committee's appeal for swift settlement reflects a broader demand for accountability and redress within one of the UK's most significant miscarriage of justice cases in recent years.