Postmasters who suffered financial shortfalls due to the Capture
software today have certainty about the structure, scope and
eligibility criteria for redress.
Capture was a faulty computer system used by postmasters in the
1990s, before the Horizon scandal.
In a move to right the wrongs of the past, the government has set
out the details for the Capture Redress Scheme, designed to
provide fair compensation for those who suffered financial
shortfalls due to the Capture software between 1992 and 2000.
This follows the government's acceptance of findings from the
independent investigation by Kroll Associates, which concluded
there was a reasonable likelihood that Capture created financial
shortfalls for postmasters.
The scheme is expected to open for applications in Autumn 2025,
with an initial phased rollout for 150 claimants to ensure the
process is fair, proportionate and accessible before wider
implementation.
This announcement follows on the footsteps of the government
confirming that £1 billion has paid out in compensation to over
7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT Scandal, and the
opening of the Horizon Shortfalls Scheme Appeals process for all
eligible postmasters in May.
Post Office Minister said:
“We are committed to delivering fair and swift redress for all
postmasters affected by Post Office software failures as part of
our Plan for Change. Today's announcement represents another
important step in righting the wrongs of the past and rebuilding
trust in the Post Office.”
A fair and accessible approach
The Capture Redress Scheme has been specifically designed to
address the unique challenges of cases dating back over two
decades, where documentation may be limited. The Government will
set out funding to cover postmasters' legal costs in the coming
weeks.
The scheme features:
- A straightforward two-stage process: an initial eligibility
review followed by an independent panel assessment
- Prompt preliminary payments for eligible claimants, ensuring
early acknowledgement of loss
- A holistic assessment approach that considers both financial
losses and wider personal impact
- A guided scoring and banding model for consistency in awards
while maintaining flexibility
Who can apply
Postmasters are eligible to apply if they:
- Were a postmaster between 1992 and 2000
- Used the Capture system in their branch
- Suffered a financial shortfall as a result of a Capture
software error
Applications from relatives of deceased postmasters or those
needing additional support will also be accepted.
Independent assessment
All eligible claims will be reviewed by an independent panel of
experts operating entirely separately from government. The panel
will:
- Take a holistic view of each claim, avoiding drawn out legal
processes and providing fair redress even where evidence is low.
- Use a balance of probabilities standard of proof
- Recommend appropriate payment levels
- Provide claimants the right to appeal in certain
circumstances
Notes to editors
- The Capture system was used in Post Office branches between
1992 and 2000, predating the better-known Horizon system.
- Those with criminal convictions related to Capture should
pursue their cases through the Criminal Cases Review Commission
(CCRC) or its Scottish equivalent.
- Further details on applying to the Capture Redress Scheme
will be published in the coming months.
