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24 March 2026
Issue: 8155 / Categories: Legal News , Miscarriage of justice
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Hope on the Post Office IT Horizon?

A flat-rate, ‘events-based’ redress scheme for families of postmasters severely affected by the Horizon IT miscarriage of justice scandal is due to open in the summer

The scheme was recommended by Sir Wyn Williams, who chaired the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry. Applicants must show their postmaster relative suffered prosecution, bankruptcy or other consequence of the faulty software but will not need to provide contemporaneous evidence of medical issues, which few people would be able to provide. The amount to be awarded has not been decided.

Post Office minister Blair McDougall said: ‘The scandal’s devastating consequences were experienced not just by those running post offices, but also by those closest to them.

‘The scheme has been designed to be as accessible and straightforward as possible, minimising bureaucratic barriers so that families receive redress without delay.’

Issue: 8155 / Categories: Legal News , Miscarriage of justice
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper strengthens international disputes team with appointment of leading arbitration partner

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens trust and estates disputes team with new appointments

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law strengthens employment disputes and international advisory capability with senior associate appointment

NEWS
Developers in areas with poorly performing councils can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for permission under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
When does a solicitor’s retainer become a contentious business agreement? The Court of Appeal’s decision in Broadfield Law UK LLP v Barnes shows that listing hourly rates alone will not do, leaving firms and clients uncertain about their rights over bills
MPs cannot simply resign their Commons seats. Instead, they take a nominal Crown office, usually the Chiltern Hundreds or Manor of Northstead, which disqualifies them from sitting
A divorced woman has secured funding to participate in her former husband’s inquest after the Legal Aid Agency reconsidered repeated refusals
The Thirlwall Inquiry has exposed a ‘complete failure’ to protect babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, but its recommendations must now be put into practice
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