The government has announced fresh measures on compensation for postmasters caught up in the Horizon and Capture scandals, according to an official statement. Closing dates have been fixed for the two schemes still taking new applications, and independent routes for reviewing and appealing offers are being introduced.

Key points

  • Capture scheme — closes to new applications on 31 March 2027
  • Horizon Convictions scheme — closes to new submissions on 31 July 2027
  • Independent reviews — new routes for shortfall claims open later this month and in November
  • Pre-Horizon software — an independent investigation has been confirmed

More than £1.7 billion has been paid out to over 14,000 postmasters under the Horizon redress schemes, and 87% of Horizon claims received so far have been settled, the announcement said. Over £9 million has gone to claimants under the Capture scheme.

Post Office Minister Kate Dearden said the suffering caused by the scandals must not be forgotten. "Behind every pound of compensation paid is a person whose life has been turned upside down by the scandal," she said, adding that the government remained committed to fair, comprehensive and timely redress.

Under the changes, postmasters told there is not enough evidence for a fixed sum offer under the Horizon Shortfalls Scheme will get an independent review from later this month. A separate independent review opens in November for people who accepted fixed sum offers and believe they were undervalued.

An independent investigation into software used before Horizon has also been confirmed, following a recommendation from the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Select Committee. Registration is still open for the Horizon Family Members Redress Scheme, with claims processing expected to start early next year, and the Restorative Justice programme is now fully running.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

For anyone still owed money over Horizon or Capture, the clock is now visibly ticking: two schemes have firm end dates, so claims not lodged in time will fall outside them. Those unhappy with an offer get a second look through the new independent reviews, which is the practical change most likely to matter in the coming months.

  • Check the dates — Capture applications close on 31 March 2027 and Horizon Convictions submissions on 31 July 2027, so paperwork is worth starting early.
  • Challenge an offer — if a fixed sum was refused for lack of evidence, or you think an accepted offer was too low, the new review routes are the way to raise it.
  • Families — relatives can still register for the Family Members scheme before processing begins next year.