Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation (): On 19 March this year, I
updated the House about this Government's preparations to launch
a redress scheme for family members of postmasters most affected
by the Horizon scandal.
As we approach the anniversary of the publication of Volume 1 of
the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report, which recommended that
financial redress should be provided to close family members of
those most adversely impacted by the Horizon scandal, I want to
reassure those awaiting updates that this scheme is progressing
and that we remain committed to helping this group.
I am happy to announce that the Horizon Family Member Redress
Scheme will open for registrations on 16 July 2026. This will
allow potential applicants to come forward and begin the process
by submitting information that will support the assessment of
their applications later this autumn. Applicants will be able to
access the registration form, alongside further information about
the scheme, here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-for-the-horizon-family-members-redress-scheme(opens
in a new tab).
Guidance for prospective applicants is also available at this
link, setting out the type of documents that will be required to
demonstrate eligibility once we start to consider claims. This
guidance will help applicants to prepare the relevant documents
in advance, so they are not unduly held up demonstrating their
eligibility.
Processing of cases is expected to begin in the autumn of this
year, once the department has completed the necessary procurement
steps to appoint an external supplier to manage this work.
At that point cases will be dealt with in the order they were
received. Those who register now will be among the first to have
their cases examined. Those who are unable to register now or
wish to wait until a later date are free to do so and this will
not impact their cases other than them being considered slightly
later.
