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20.07.2016
SUBPOSTMASTER DEBT CLAIMS
CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE PROVIDED BY FORMER AGENT DEBT TEAM (CHESTERFIELD) TO
EXTERNAL LAWYERS (BOND PEARCE & BEACHCROFT)
All claims
Name and address of debtor Mr Kevin Leslie Palmer
First Class News Ltd
National Insurance Number; GRO:
Branch Code, Branch Name and address 103 140
The Grange Post Office
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex SS6 9AX
Value of debt £62,084.01
POLTD Number POLTD/1516/0068
If address unknown, please give details of any N/A
traces undertaken
Any additional information (eg any known
assets, previous settlement arrangements,
indications from debtor about potential defence)
Previous Settlement Arrangement
None
Potential Defence
Claiming Horizon issues
POL business contact and number
POL legal contact and number to receive invoice I Rodric Williams
Cost Centre Code 2540947
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Stage 1 enclosures: ii
tial instructions & letter before action
Documents Yes/No — if no, give
reasons
1. Appointment papers & details of contract (e.g. standard, modified, Yes
temporary) or franchise (including guarantee from company
director)
2.a I Final Account Yes
3. Correspondence between Agent Debt Team & subpostmaster re: No — Contract
debt Manager’s letter
counted as final
demand
4. Audit report Yes
a-b
5.a I Statement of debt Yes
6.a I Evidence in support of each element of statement of debt Yes
See Audit Report for evidence on £61,858.40
See Final Account for evidence on £205.61
7. Product statements re: any third party products No — not necessary
8. Correspondence between contracts manager & subpostmaster re: Yes
a-l suspension, termination & appeals, including RTU interview
9. Additional Information
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Stage 2 enclosures: before commencing proceedings
Documents
1. Cash accounts and/or branch trading statements for relevant No — not necessary
period
2. Relevant extracts from Credence reports No — not necessary
3. Details of subpostmaster training No-—not necessary
4. Tiers 1 & 2 Helpline call logs (if any)
No — not necessary
5. Details of tenure of branch No-— not necessary
6. Investigator’s report, security file & details of any criminal No — not necessary
investigations
7. Employment details of assistants No — not necessary
8. Termination file (reasons to urge letter, appeal correspondence if No — not necessary
any, interview notes)
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Date 20.07.2016
FORMER SUBPOSTMASTERS ACCOUNT
THE GRANGE POST OFFICE
FAD 103 140
FIRST CLASS NEWS LTD
First Class News Ltd was the Operator of The Grange Post Office from 01.10.2013 —
20.11.2015 and Mr Kevin Leslie Palmer was the Director.
Details are:- 7
Outstanding Debt: £62,084.01
Background
Mr Palmer was the Postmaster at The Grange Post Office from 09.08.2007, but started
trading as First Class New Ltd from 01.10.2013.
An audit was carried out at the above branch on 20.11.2015 and a loss of £61,858.40
was settled to late accounts and the Postmaster subsequently suspended.
A further £205.61 deficiency was posted to late account on 23.11.2015 when an audit
to handover to the temporary postmaster was carried out.
On 24.11.2015 Carol Ballan, Agents Contract Manager wrote to Mr Palmer
confirming that First Class News Ltd, the Operator, was suspended with effect from
20.11.2015.
On 25.11.2015 Carol Ballan wrote to Mr Palmer to set out further details regarding
the suspension.
On 04.12.2015 Carol Ballan wrote to Mr Palmer asking him to complete a
questionnaire after being informed that he believed the loss was a Horizon issue.
On 18.12.2015 Carol Ballan wrote to Mr Palmer asking him to attend an informal
meeting.
On 24.02.2016 Carol Ballan wrote to Mr Palmer asking him to provide full details of
how and why the loss arose or give any reason why Post Office should not pursue him
for the loss.
On 11.03.2016 Carol Ballan received a letter from Mr Palmer dated 07.03.2016
whereby Mr Palmer gave his formal resignation.
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On 07.04.2016 a transaction correction for Bank of Ireland ATM £20.00 debit was
posted to the account taking the outstanding debt to £62,084.01.
On 14.04.2016 Carol Ballan wrote to Mr Palmer advising him that his contract with
Post Office dated 19.09.2013 (the “Agreement”) does not allow him to terminate the
Agreement with immediate effect. She then goes on to say that Post Office was left
with no choice but to terminate his Agreement with immediate effect. She went on to
give full details of the outstanding debt and give him until 13.05.2016 to pay in full or
contact the Former Agents Debt Team to discuss a payment plan.
On 27.05.2016 Elisa Lukas wrote to Mr Palmer’s Solicitors, Bark & Co in response to
their question as to how the contractual review process and the security investigation
linked together.
Response received from Bark & Co dated 01.06.2016 stating that the letter dated
27.05.2016 did not clearly answer the questions raised during their telephone
conversation and as such required clarity on certain matters.
On 09.06.2016 Carol Ballan wrote to Mr Palmers outlining the consequences of
termination should the Post Office relocate to another site. (Please note the amount
stated in the letter is reducing every day and an invoice will not be sent unless the
Post Office is relocated.)
On 20.06.2016 email received from Bark & Co asking when they would receive a
response to their letter.
On 23.06.2016 Elisa Lukas wrote to Bark & Co advising that Post Office will pursue
Mr Palmer through civil proceedings for repayment of the debt, rather than bring
criminal prosecution.
No further correspondence received.
NOTE
No letters were sent out by the Former Agents Team, as Carol Ballan’s letter dated
14.04.2016 represented a final demand for the full amount outstanding, threatening
proceedings if not paid by 13" May or a payment plan agreed. It was agreed that to
start at the beginning of the debt recovery process would undermine this letter.
No prosecution was sought by Post Office Security as Mr Palmer denied taking the
monies and blamed the loss entirely on Horizon issues. From previous legal advice
given on this matter, it was decided they would be unable to pursue a prosecution, as
the evidential test would not have been met by not having an independent witness to
prove the integrity of the Horizon system.
URGENT
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Should you have any queries regarding this account, please do not hesitate to contact
me at the address below or telephone me on the number listed below.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Jackie Grace
Former Agents Debt
Post Office Limited
2nd Floor West
No 1 Future Walk
Chesterfield
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ON SITE MAIN POST OFFICE® AGREEMENT
PREFACE
All capitalised terms not defined in this Preface have the meanings given to them in the Standard
Conditions for the Operation of a Main Post Office® Branch (On Site, Post Office Limited Cash) (the
Standard Conditions).
This Preface is part of an Agreement between Post Office Limited and the Operator for the
operation of a Main Post Office Branch (as defined in the Standard Conditions) at the Branch
Premises (as defined below).
The Agreement consists of the following documents:
¢ This Preface and the following Appendices to it:
o Appendix 4 ~ Fit Out Works
Please sign and return
o Appendix 2 - Equipment both Cop le.
oe Post Office Ltd will
o Appendix 3 - Conditions of Appointment countersign and return
one copy of each for °
* The Standard Conditions yourrecords.
* The Manual (as defined in the Standard Conditions)
. ¢ The Fees Booklet (as defined in the Standard Conditions)
1. The Agreement is between:
{a) Post Office Limited (Company No. 02154540), whose registered office address is at 148 Old
Street London EC1V 9HQ (Post Office Ltd); and
(b) First Class News Ltd (Company No. 8140666) of 55 Crown Street, Brentwood, Essex, England,
CM14 4BD (the Operator)
2. The Branch Premises are the Operator's premises at: 105 London Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6
SAX
3. The Branch will have the following numbers of Combined Retail Counter Positions 1 and
Dedicated Post Office Counter Positions 2 at the Start Date.
3A_3790167_19 " 403140The Grange ‘NTM1
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% The Operator's VAT Number is 140301967
10. — Fit Out’Works and Investment Payment
10,1 The Fit Out Works for the Branch Premises are described in Appendix 4 to this Preface. They
“are split into two categories - Post Office Ltd Funded Works and Operator Funded Works.
10.2 The Equipment required to operate the Branch is listed in Appendix 2 of this Preface. It is split
into two categories - Post Office Ltd Funded Equipment and Operator Funded Equipment.
10.3 Post Office Ltd shall fund the cost of the Post Office Ltd Funded Equipment up to a maximum of
£45,.000.00
10.4 Subject to the provisions of Part 3 of the Standard Conditions, Post Office Ltd will also-fund the
cost of the Post Office Ltd Funded Works up to a maximum of £9,500.00 (This Figure includes .
Up to £3,000.00 towards Careerwear)
10.5 The total of the funding provided by Post Office Ltd and described in clauses 10,3 and 10.4
above is referred to as the Investment Payment. If the costs of the Post Office Ltd Funded
Equipment and/or the Post Office Ltd Funded Works exceed the amount of the Investment
Payment, any‘such excess shall be the responsibility of the Operator. The Operator shall be
solely responsible for the cost of any Operator Funded Equipment and Operator Funded Works.
14, Conversion Payment
Post Office Ltd shall, in addition to the Investment Payment referred to in clause 10 above and
subject to Part 3 of the Standard Conditions, pay the Operator a further sum of £10,000
(including VAT) on or about the Commencement Date.
12. The performance of the Operator's obligations under the Agreement must be guaranteed by
one guarantor acceptable to Post Office Ltd. The guarantor will usually be a director or
shareholder of the Operator.
3A_3854487_19 103140The Grange NTM1
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APPENDIX 4
FIT OUT WORKS
A copy of the Scoping Visit Report is attached.
Post Office Main Branch Format Scoping Visit Report - 1034140 THE GRANGE
Appendix A
Post Office Responsibilities Quantity
Proj Signs eee
medium 600mm illuminated
Med Spec Non Illuminated with feature pod
Survey
Install
opening hours in ‘visi’ frame -standard and retail combi hours
Services Panel Vinyl Graphic
free cash machine atm entrance signage
A4 assistance Option 1
Ad assistance graphic _
A4 assistance Option 4
retail combi services
Post Office directional
Post Office counter foamex
queue barrier inserts
Do not lean Vinyl
Cash Restricted Vinyl
Respect vinyl
retail combi services strut card
POD Panel
Pod Panel Leaflet Holders
1100mm Combi counter without low level shelf,
Combi Position Low Level Cupboards
FX141 Scales
SIDs :
Brief Case Till Insert - Screenless
‘S S rity’
Flip Top Till
Flip Top Till Delivery & Installation by Safetell
ol
ding with drop safe) _
Single Fortress
Single Fortress with Standard Parcel Hatch of 685mm
Back of Counter Forms/Leaflets Storage Unit
FX144 Scales
Speech Enhancement System
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APPENDIX 2 - EQUIPMENT
Items of equipment that may be required as part of Network Transformation Programme conversion to a Main branch
Items to be
returned to Post
* Office Ltd or its
; Who is responsible for maintenance of supplier at end of
Who orders and pays for Equipment? the Equipment? the Agreement
{tem for installation in Main branch Operator Funded
Equipment - the
Post Office Ltd Operator orders and
Funded Equipment - pays for with no Post
Post Office Ltd reimbursement from } Office The Post Office Ltd's
orders and pays for Post Office Ltd Ltd Operator supplier
Signage (including internal signage, survey and install) x x
Safes (Main safe) including MMG x x x
Electronic Scales x. x xX
Alarms installed by Romec (monitoring and maintenance
will be provided by, or on behalf of, Post Office Ltd during
the term of the Agreement only) x xX
Bureau de Change Rate Board x x x
Counter Desking/ FSS desking and privacy
Screens/conversation area x x
Customer seating/Counter Staff Seating X x
Cash Funding Unit (Rollercash/Bidi etc.) x xX x
Horizon x x. x
Secure Counters (including anti-bandit screens and parcel
hatches) x x ,
Drop bag Fittings xX Xx x
Post & Go x x x -
AEI Kiosk x Xx x
AEI Consumables (including curtains and em) xX xX xX
Mails Acceptance Unit. x x x
Mails Integrity unit/secure mail storage x xX x
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APPENDIX 3 - Conditions of Appointment
A copy of Conditions of Appointment addendum attached
1 The Operator shall comply (and in the case of ongoing obligations) shall continue to comply for
the duration of the Agreement at its own expense with the following conditions of appointment
and shall ensure that any works/actions that it is required to carry out or perform in order to
achieve compliance with the relevant condition of appointment are catried out or performed by
the date specified below for the relevant condition.
2 The Operator shall not be in breach of the Agreement, nor liable for any failure or delay in
complying with any condition of appointment by the date specified above, if the Operator is
prevented or delayed from complying with such condition of appointment by a Force Majeure
Event, provided that the Operator must:
2.1 promptly notify Post Office Ltd in writing of the nature and extent of the Force
Majeure Event together with any additional information as Post Office Ltd may
reasonably require; and
2.2 use its best efforts to remove or overcome the effects of such Force Majeure Event.
3 Following any notice from the Operator in accordance with paragraph 2.1, the Parties shall
discuss the effect of the Force Majeure Event on the relevant condition(s) of appointment, and
use all reasonable endeavours to agree any changes to the condition(s) of appointment that
may be required as a result, which may include agreeing a revised date for the Operator to
achieve compliance with the relevant condition(s) of appointment.
4 For the purposes of paragraph 3 above, Force Majeure Event shall mean the occurrence of
any:
4.1 Acts of God, fire, explosion, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster;
4.2 war, riot, civil commotion, terrorist attack;
43 interruption or failure of utility service, including electric power, gas or water;
4.4 law or government order, rule, regulation or direction, or any -action taken by a
government or public authority, including failing to grant a necessary licence or
consent (provided that the Operator has used-its best endeavours to obtain such
licence or consent); and
4.5 refusal by the landlord and/or owner of the Branch Premises to grant any necessary
permission or consent(provided that the Operator has used its best ehdeavours to
obtain relief from such covenant and/or to obtain such licence or consent),
which directly causes the Operator to be unable to comply with the relevant condition of
appointment by the date specified, provided that such event does not arise from the
negligence of the Operator.
5. ATM The Operator will continue to comply with the existing ATM Agreement i in respect of the
Branch,
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Operator will ensure that its staff are aware of the
ways in which it may be possible to change
materials on the spot within the branch so as to
be visible or usable by customers with visual
impairments, e.g, free use of any photocopier to
enlarge documents, free use of magnifying glass
etc
Branch Opening Date
EA53
Operator will ensure that all people providing
services to customers at the branch will undertake
Post Office Ltd - approved training covering:
~ the obligations on service providers under
the Equality Act 2010
~ the approach to be taken by those providing
Post Office services in order'to ensure
compliance with legislation and generally to
maximise the accessibility of Post Office
Services
Branch Opening Date
PART B - SITE SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
ANDARDS COt
DITIONS OF APPOIN:
Condit in of Appo' intment
‘Date for Completion
1 Operator to carry out a deep clean of the interior ~ Branch Opening Date
of the Branch Premises
2 Operator to redecorate the interior of the Branch Branch Opening Date
Premises
3 Operator to repair/replace lighting in the interior Branch Opening Date
of the Branch Premises to a standard of at least
750 lux.
4 Operator to repair/replace the flooring in the Branch Opening Date
interior of the Branch Premises with a floor
covering which is specifically designed for use in
retail premises.
5 Operator to remedy any health and safety risks Branch Opening Date
identified as being present at the Branch
Premises. :
6 Operator to clean the windows of the Branch Branch Opening Date
Premises (inside and outside)
7 Operator to repair/renew the ceiling in the . Branch Opening Date
Premises
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7
: a
POST OFFICE LIMITED Lo
DEED OF GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY .
A The parties to this Deed are: .
(1) Mrs Helen Clare Palmer of ! GRO \(Guarantor);
and a ae = J
(2) Post Office Limited (company number 2154540) of 148 Old Street, London ECiV 9HQ (Post
Office Ltd)
B This Deed is entered into in respect ofa Main Post Office Agreement (as the same may be
supplemented, amended or si Mr Kevin Leslie Palmer
having its registered office att ind registered
with company number 814061 the date of this
Deed, by which the Operator agreed and undertook to operate a Main Post Office from premises
situated at 105 London Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 9AX (Outlet).
c The Guarantor has agreed to guarantee the due performance of the Agreement by the Operator on
the terms of this Deed. .
5
‘IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1 Guarantee and Indemnity
1.1 + The Guarantor unconditiorially and irrevocably (and jointly and severally with any other guarantor
of the Operator's obligations to Post Office Ltd) guarantees to Post Office Ltd that it will on
demand discharge and perform in full and in accordance with all applicable terms all obligations
from ‘time to time owed by the Operator to Post Office Ltd under the Agreement should the
Operator fail to do so in accordance with its obligations owed to Post Office Ltd.
1.2 The Guarantor also agrees to indemnify Post Office Ltd on demand against:
1.2.1 all costs incurred in enforcing this Deed and against any loss or expense which Post Office
, Ltd may incur arising out of any defective or incomplete performance by the Operator of
its obligations to Post Office Ltd; and
1.2.2 all losses ‘and liabilities Post Office Ltd may incur if any contractual or other obligations
owed (or purportedly owed) by the Operator to Post Office Ltd are disputed, invalid or
unenforceable for any reason or if this Deed is not enforceable against the Guarantor as-a
secondary obligation, the amount of such loss being the amount which Post Office’ Ltd
would otherwise have been entitled to recover from the Operator or the Guarantor.
1.3 This Deed is a continuing guarantee and indemnity, which means that it guarantees the payment .
by the Operator of all amounts, and the discharge of all obligations, owed now or in the future by
the Operator to the Post Office Ltd until this Deed is released by Post Office Ltd in writing. It will ,
not be released or discharged‘ by any intermediate payment or discharge made by the Operator or
the Guarantor. .
2 Protections for Post Office Ltd
By
_ 24 The Guarantor agrees that the Guarantor's full liabilities under this Deed will not be determined,
reduced, prejudiced, affected or discharged by, without limitation:
2.1.1 the terms of the Agreement being changed, supplemented, waived or replaced;
2.1.2 Post Office Ltd agreeing any compromise or release with the Operator, any other
guarantor or any other person liable jointly and/or severally with the Operator or the
Guarantor;
2.1.3 the Operator being dissolved, going into liquidation or administration, entering into any
voluntary arrangement or any other form of insolvency procedure and/or Post Office Ltd
receiving or becoming entitled to receive only part of the total amount owing by the.
3A_3960659_3 The Grange 103140
CLEARED FOR USE
‘
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Full name of Witness Signature of witness
Address of Witness.
Occupation of Witness
SHOPS MAVACEL _
*The witness must be aged over the age of 18 and must
not be a member of the Guarantor’s family.
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CLEARED FOR USE
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2a ot
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a .
~ P242
TO BE AFFIXED TO THE FRONT OF THE OFFICE SNAP SHOT OR TRADING STATEMENT PRODUCED
ON DAY OF TRANSFER
Final Trading statement of Postmaster of:
Late Accounts) Any shortages
found on transfer audit which
the Postmaster is unable to
make good on the day and
entered on Horizon via Back
Office(F14) Adjustments (F7)
Final Account Deficit (42)
using Global User password.
20S-b
Surplus in final trading
statement (amounts over £150 I £
only)
(Amount posted to Late
Accounts) Any surpluses found
on transfer/closure audit which
the Postmaster is unable to
withdraw entered on Horizon
via Back Office (F14)
Adjustments (F7) Final Account
Surplus (41) using Global User
password.
THEGRANGE (e8i4ok
Deficiency in final trading Due to Transfer* /Temporary Closure® /
statement (Amount posted to £ RemmanentClosure-
*Delete as applicable
Temporary closure due to Suspension*
/Robbery* / Other
Please state for other
Any amounts made good at
final trading statement by cash I £
or cheque (attempts to make
good should be made for most
occasions)
Branch Code
Surplus physically withdrawn
at final trading statement (up I £
to £150.00 ONLY)
Date of final
trading
statement
Total to agree to FAT £
BRANCH TRANSFER — when a transfer takes
place outside the allocated trading statement
day, Horizon should be rolled into the next
balancing period. Please state if a full
TRADING STATEMENT is due for this
accounting period *¥2S-/ NO
Week No T/P
Bring any outstanding Transaction
Corrections to account prior to
completion of this form
Actions
Transfer Pack V3.3 November 2015
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The sum of £ SSSERBS (being the Signature of incoming Postmaster
amount of cash and value stOck on hand). .
Non-value stock items are listed on the Office
Snapshot. To be charged in the Trading
Statement of day of period
ae 23fie (IS
as balance transferred from old account.
T acknowledge the transfer of (Z)keys-for the LL.
()
safes listed on the ARS110
T acknowledge the transfer of ( ‘2 ) keys for Signature. nk. Ourkerniaen. Rostmaster
the( I — ) safes listed on the ARS110 G RO i
Examined at TP OF
Are there any amounts in suspense Detail reason for amounts left in suspense:
Yes/No No N / A:
Witness to the signature of the Incoming I Witness to the signature of the Outgoing
Postmaster Postmaster
Signature:
Print Name of of Signatory: A Ba Pree Print Name of Signatory: Diva Ree.
Representative of Post Office Ltd Representative of Post Office Ltd
Local Schemes
Following discussion with the outgoing Agent, I confirm that all local schemes have been returned
to *NSSC/transferred to the incoming Agent (*delete as applicable) and reconciliations
completed
Post Office Limited representative siqnature:
Post Office Limited representative name:
To be retained for six years following completion
P242 (Revised May 2015)
Transfer Pack V3.3 November 2015
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Office Snapshot: Office Copy
xeneexDiscrépancies in this Accountssesess
Discrepancy QUER §1943.76 *
Discrepancy SHORT 61943.76 8
x -
shett discrepancy 0.00 x
ee
SRREREAASSSEEEAEEEERERRERESERES SERRE ARES
VALUE ITEHS & NOP VOLUNE VALUE
Cash $1937.77
Cash
Cheque
Cheques
HOP
Euro
US Dollar,
Canada Dollar
Fon Currency Sterling Equ
BUREAU DE CHANGE
Postage stop
Other Postage Ttens
POSTAGE
TOTAL VALUE ITENS & HOP
‘
RECEIPTS DOLUNE VALUE
Balance B/Fud 113784.04
Santander PaySer,
GIRO DEPS/TRANSCASH
Santander Depst 2
GIRO HOW CASH ITEMS
Santander 1¢ Fee 4
GIRO TRAUSGASH FEES
express! 1
expresso 18
slobelpriority 1
IS.
CARRS ~ PARCELS:
RH Spd Bulk RSF 37
int Std Letter 2
Int Std Letter, i
Int Std So} Pel g
Int Std Sol Pel 12
nt Trkd Sn] Pcl 1
Int Sign Sui Pel 1
Special D by 1 44
HloneShopReturns B
PrePaidRi Stamps: I-
DG Cust HR Doo uf
2
4
1
53
1
58
378
4
50
38
1
2
35
§
141
2
‘
Int T+$ Letter 1 6.52
Int 148 Letter 1 735
Int 145 $n Pl 3 36.26
Tracked Returns 4 0.00
Int Std L Letter 3 13.50
Int Std L Letter 1 3.15
Int Std L Letter g 40.45
Int TeS Lae Let 1 8.60
RU TRANSACTIONS: 2948.62
express24 Con 2 9,00
expressda Cont 3 9.00
express@ll Cont 1 9.00
express48 Cons 3 9.00
expressi0 Cons 1 9.00
alobalvalue 1 $1.25
express48 18 286.59
express10 1 46.01
globalpriority _ 1 1.24
Enh cop @ priori 1 33.30
Enh enpexpress48 3 9.30
PF TRAUSACT IONS 482.29
RH If Thuard 15 0.00
wi
ees
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Office Snapshot Office Copy
secezeDiscrépancies in this Aocountixesters
Discrepancy OVER Li G§ *
sDiscrepancy SHORT 61343.76 *
x a
Met discrepancy
SRRIESAA EEA RINE E EH EER ES EERE
VALUE ITEHS & HOP VOLUKE VALUE
Cash §1937.77
Cash 61937.77
Cheque 9.00.
Cheques
US Dollar,
Canada Dollar,
Fon Currency Sterling Equ
BUREAU DE CHANGE
Postage stop
Other Postage Itens
POSTAGE
TOTAL VALUE ITEWS & HOP
‘
lom<o mm SPO MN:
RECEIPTS VOLOHE VALUE
Balance B/Fud 113784.04
Santander PaySer, 4
GIRO DEPS/TRANSCASH
Santander Depst
GIRO HON CASH ITEIS
Santander TC Fee
GIRO TRANSCASH FEES
expressi9
expressdé
globalpriority
Es
‘33:
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DG Cust WR Doo
DG Pert Don Rest
DG LBatDonInRest
DG LBat DoolRest
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DG LBat Don Prah 1
Ist Class 53
{st Class 1
ist Class 58
2nd Class 378
2nd Class 4
ond Class 50
Signed For Ist 38
Signed For Ist 19
Sisned For ist 2
Signed For ist 3
Signed For 2nd
Signed For 2n 14
Signed For 2nd
Signed For 2nd i
BFPO Int:
omaynes tan en
express48 Cont
expressfl! Cont
express48 Cons
expressi0 Cons
globalvalue
express46
express
gigbaipriority
Enh cop @ priori
Enh cnpexpress48
PF THONSBCT IONS
Rutt Tuard
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ii LC" cust ‘Ena
PE CD/Ce frvart r I
or BA eke a i
cuftlen sealer tees
Dunay P: 15:
Paystationtgah 1
rinary ID Pres
y
1
4
0
2
5
9
1
2
12) NOW-H 1
THL CashP atre250 1
NUL DE Accepted 3
HL CC Accepted 1
WL BC CC Contra 4.
DULA DirectD Txn 1
Wiscel taneous
pari Nails 13
12
i
i
2.
1
1
1
lails
Balance & Top Up
Account Top Up
ficcount Paynent 1
Drop & a
tred
mitt io Fee
RedrSoc O-3a0K
Electric Key - Client's
oie RECEIPTS
Contract PE24
Contract PF48
payout Extra
TABLE 106
Curr Buy Hargin .
Bureau de Change Hargins
Curr fevalue Up
B De Choe- Revalue Up
BUREAU 1 CHAN -
Barclay cash dep
woo Brow
jarclays
cahoat cash dep
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i
I
* Speciad £1.52 ty 0-00
Special Stanps 64.73
SAS bk Ist x 12 12 90.72
SAS bk 2nd x 12 3 213.84
ehristoas 2nd % ae
ristnas 2n :
Stanp Books - Hisc 575.10
POSTAGI 1214.01
Neu PoTeletrd £5 1 5.00
HeuPOTeletrd £10 1 10.00
PO Branded Call Cards 15.00
PHOWE CARDS 15.00
POca Cards 3 9.00
NISC STOCK 0.00
Heu Postal Order 5 9.00
POSTAL ORDER STOCK 9.00
instants £1 142 142.00
Tnstants £2 163 326.00
Thstants £5 38 290.00
Instants £3 85 255.00
Instants £10. 18 180.00
HAT LOT INSTAHT UIN GAL 1193.00
Ren In Auto Dist _ $3850.00
Renittance In Detail $3850.00
Discrepancy OVER Transferred 0.00
Discrepancy SHORT Resolved
TOTAL RECEIPTS 277723.54
PAYHENTS: VOLUHE
HERC_Cashchas
GIRO WITHDRAVALS
Spl LbI2PRE
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RIL_SPOILT LABELS
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THLSalesBalance . 36
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Htiscel laneous.
A&L Chnge Balnce 3
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OTHER PAYHENTS 6427S.
PO ATH
SELF FILL ATH $3280.00
Cash In Pouches 1 6000.00
Cash In Pouches 1-
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Santander dru] 2
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1
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BARCLAYS UDRUL 18 1
Barclays Uithdravals 3
SH WDL 54 i
ATT 84 20
Card account Withdravals 31
Co-op Cash udrl
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Halifax Cashudr]
Halifax Cashudrl
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Cash
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NB _CASH DITHORAUAL UITH PTH
Electron 4
Debit lasterCard 1
Visa Debit,
neateeann aut tie navucure
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DEBIT GHLINE PayienTs
Visa Credit 4
Hastercard 29
CREDIT CARD ONLINE PAVHENTS
RU Stanp Balance 80
ai suhiped Balance 904
PF Label Balance 1
PE RetailBalance 24
PF SUHHARY
Ren Out Data Cen .
Ren Out Auta Dist 6007.
Renittance Out Detail 6658-59
Discrepancy short Transferred
Discrepancy OVER Resolved
Total VALUE ITENS g NOP 69355.85
Hett discrepancies 9.00
TOTAL PAYHENTS 27772354
Transfers In . 141612.09
Transfers Out 141612.09
Balance C/Fud . 99355.65
STOCK VoLUHES VOLUHE
USA Teha 350
Seaside Bech sh
Snilers2015 wing 8
Penny Black Hing
dlaterioo lish
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the Great Yar pp
Seaside frohitpp
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Snilers 2015 Bp
dnvent Brit pp
Bridges Pras Pek
Conedy Greats pp
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nd class stop 4837
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$2 up to 100 gos 123
$0 101-500 ons 30
S/a 2ndxioo 48
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Pecial Bip 107
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pecial £1.99 123
petal £1.47 173
bk Ist'x 12 242
SAS bk 2nd x 12 S61
ristnas 1s
Christuas 2ndBk 1487
Ist Large x 4 55
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Hey POTeletrd $5 23
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u Canelot Cha 3
eu Postal Order 85
Instants 1 325
Instants £2 197
instants £5 8:
instants £3 . 8
Instants £10 10
e* END OF REPORT xxx
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Hastercard 29
CREDIT CARD OWL INE PAYHENTS =
RH Stan Balance 80
Label Balance 904
a
AL SUTTHBRY
BF Label Balance 1
PE RetaiiBalanes of
PF SUA
Ren Out Data Cen
fen Qué Auto Dist
Renittance out Detail
Discrepancy shorT Transferred 0.00
Discrepancy OVER Resolved 0.00
Total VALUE ITEHS g NOP 69355.85
Nett discrepancies 0.09
TOTAL PAVHENTS 54
Transfers In 141812.09
Transfers Out 141612. 09
Balance C/Fud 69355.85
STOCK VOLUNES VOLUME
Setet tron Ish
easide Arc
Snilers2015 Hing
Penny Black Hin
Uaterloo fiSh
BattleorBrit ush
Bees 2015 ish
Long to Reisnish
rr
pees ona PP pp
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Christnas 15 pp
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[st class Large
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Christnas IstBK
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and Large x 4
Neu POTeletrd $5
NeuPOTeletrd £70
88 EHD OF REPORT sax.
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Jackie Grace
From:
Sent:
To:
Ce:
Subject:
Brenda Howcutt
22 November 2015 16:18
Austin C Amadi; Carol Ballan; Craig Tuthill; Dawn Wall; Drew Mcbride; Fraud Analysis Team; Contract Admin Team; Post Office Security; Lin
Norbury
Warren Hattrell; Julia Marwood
Event Capture From - 103140 - The Grange - 2015-11-20
An event capture form has been logged, please find the details below.
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Financial Audit Tool > Event Capture Form
This form must be completed within 48 hours of the audit taking place.
If the loss is above £1000 then this should be completed.
The Event Capture form will be sent to the RSM/RGM, ASM/CSCSM and Contracts Advisor, plus any email addresses you paste or type in below (separate with a ;)
fraudanalysisteam@
Field Team Leader a _
'warren.hattrell@ . \
Regional Manager _ Area Manager ~
Ijulia marwood@ peter.c,wilkinson@, _
RSM/RGM. ASM/CSCSM.
austin.c.amadi@ GRO
Regional Contracts Advisor Contracts Advisor
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carol.ballan@
lin.norbury@ _
Time of incident: [09:55! Date of Audit; 20/11/2015
Branch Code: 103140 Branch Address: 105 London Road
Branch Name: The Grange
st Class New:
SPMR/Operator: Fi Ltd
Phone Rayleigh
National Multiple: ~ Essex
Contracts Advisor: Postcode: SS6 9AX
Key Contacts: GRO
Person dealing with this if the CA is not availabl \Carol Ballan/Paul Southin I
Audit Lead: [Brenda Howeutt I
fading [Brenda Howcutt I
ECF Completed by: [Brenda Howeutt I
FTMs assisting: [Brenda Howcutt; Claudette Beaney
OtherAttendeess I a
‘Audit Type code: [350 ion Following a Cash Check
Discrepancy:
Shortage or surplus: {shortage
How the audit discrepancy was discovered and all relevant findings
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I Brenda Howcutt) arrived at this branch at approx 08:15 on Friday 20/11/15, to complete a Cash Check, there was
just one assistant behind the combi counter, who told me that Kevin Palmer (spmr) was having a day off and that she
would phone him to let him know that I was there. The office has 4 stock units (AA, ATM, OOH, SP1). The full time
assistant Louise arrived just after 9 O'clock she told me that Kevin was on his way, so she served out of the Combi until
he arrived, which was approx 09:45, at which time he told both his 2 assistants that they can go home and that he was
closing the shop and Post Office, he then told me that the cash would be short, I asked how much and he replied about
60,000. I contacted Warren Hattrell (my team leader) Carol Ballan (CA) I also spoke to Rhys Jones (security - who
requested the visit due to concerns regarding cash at risk) he gave me the number for Joe Watson (security)who I then
phoned. I then went into the Fortress to start checking cash and stock. Claudette arrived to help me at 11:00, we then
checked all cash and stock our final discrepancy being £61858.40 which was finally posted to Late Account ( Mr
Palmers Father in Law had initially said that he would write a cheque to settle the shortage but changed his mind at the
last minute saying that he would pay half, then he decided that he wouldn't be paying any because that would be an
admission of guilt on behalf of his son in law).
Cc
/Outreach Links (where applicable)
Branch Co le Branch Name Core/Outreach Result Made Good (é)
Discrepancy (£)
I - _I ISelect...
Location of assets: locked in PO SAFE
Suspended? Yes
Other action if not suspended
If SPM was unavailable were
Casework contacted, and who
were the findings relayed to:
If suspended who did they to be transferred on Monday 23/11/15 to temp MARY STEWART
transfer the branch to? Ifa
family member please state
relationship:
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was made good by cheque and a ‘without prejudice’
receipt issued at the time of the audit.
was made good by cash and a ‘without prejudice’
receipt issued at the time of the audit.
has been sent to ‘Late Account’ Financial Service
Centre and is to be settled in accordance with terms
agreed with your Contracts Advisor.
was withdrawn at the time of the audit.
will be settled centrally as per standard procedure.
Date/Time sent (auto populated upon sending): I 22/11/2015 gy
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Jackie Grace
From: Brenda Howcutt
Sent: 22 November 2015 16:20
To: Austin C Amadi; Carol Ballan; Post Office Security; Michelle Stevens; Contract Admin Team; Branch Support Team
Ce: Warren Hattrell; Alexander Todd
Subject: Extra Audit Report - 103140 - The Grange - 2015-11-20
Categories: Audit
You have been sent an Extra Audit report.
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Financial Audit Tool > Extra Report
$contract.admin.team@ anc
Branch Code Branch Name
103140 The Grange
Field Team Leader . Regional Manager
jwarren.hattrell@ I julia.marwood@,
RSM/RGM ASM/CSCSM.
austin.c.amadi€,
Regional Contracts Advisor
Contracts Advisor
linnorbury@
carol.ballan@
Audit Lead: [Brenda Howeutt
web
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All Auditors: [Brenda Howeutt; Claudette Beaney ]
Other Attendees: I _ I
An audit of the above branch, led by myself, was undertaken on 2015-11-20. The purpose of this audit was to provide
assurance of financial assets due to the Post Office® and confirm compliance with a range of Business processes,
procedures and regulatory requirements. During the audit, where appropriate, all cash, cheques, vouchers, Euros,
Dollars and suspense entries were verified and a check of a selection of stock items and other currencies was
performed. The audit revealed a shortage in the branch of £-61858.40. A breakdown of the audit result and details of
the audit findings are as follows:
Office Snapshot __ Verified at Audit _ Assurance Amount __Cash Difference
Cash on hand £132,793.52I _{£61,361.38 II€0.00 I{-£61,742.14 I
ATM Dispensed '£9,690.00I
Other MOP (incl. cheques) I £337.91 'g337.91 _I!£0.00
Suspended Session ‘0.00 I
ForEx (Sterling Equivalent) I £1,119.17) £1,119.17I
Postage 1p-£1 £6,339.25I 186,299.57. I
Suspense £0.00 a
Spoilt Postage Labels £5.6I
Santander Cheque Pouches on
hand
Stock discrepancies I-£344.64I
SE £1 0,58985 ]£69,118.03 20.00 ][-#02,126.46
Todays findings (62,126.46 I
Outstanding debt I£0.00I
TCs not processed
TAs not processed / rec'd ee
Net discrepancy from snapshot _—_I-£109.54I
Late Transactions {£377.60I
Confirmed Pending TC
Transaction errors revealed
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Currency Revaluation
Total -£61,858.40
(Current Trading Position £61,858.40}
We arrived at the branch at 08:15 and introduced ourselves to a staff member, not known ,when they arrived at
approximately 05:30 and advised that we were there to perform an audit on behalf of Post Office Ltd. I contacted the
Network Business Support Centre (NBSC) at approximately 10:50 and advised that an audit would be performed at the
branch, and that it would remain closed until its conclusion. The nominated branches offered were: High St, Rayleigh,
Hambro.. A notice was placed on display at the branch detailing this information. I also asked the NBSC to notify the
Outlet Intervention Office that an audit was being performed and that the branch would remain closed until it’s
conclusion. allowed us access to the secure area and was not present in the secure area whilst the audit was carried out.
Brenda Howcutt was then advised that they should satisfy themselves that the figures of the audit team were correct.
Therefore we asked Brenda Howcutt if they would do their own independent count of all the cash on hand again,
which they did. Brenda Howcutt then confirmed that the figures of the audit team were correct.
I then telephoned yourself at 10:00 to report a preliminary suspected shortage of approximately £60000 and that I
would ring you back with the final figure once I had completed the audit. This I did at 16:41 to report an overall
shortage in the branch of £-61858.39999999999,
was made good (no 'without prejudice! receipt needed to
be issued)
was made good by cheque and a ‘without prejudice’
receipt issued at the time of the audit.
was made good by cash and a ‘without prejudice’
receipt issued at the time of the audit.
has been sent to ‘Late Account’ Finance Service Centre
and is to be settled in accordance with terms agreed
with your Contracts Advisor.
£0.00I was withdrawn at the time of the audit.
iz0.00)
{0.00I will be settled centrally as per standard procedure.
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I phoned my team leader Warren Hattrell to inform him that my ‘cash Check' was going to be a Tier 2 audit and that I
would appreciate some assistance, I told him that Claudette Beaney lived a short distance away and was on a TB day,
he said he would phone her and get back to me. At 10:03 I called Carol Ballan (CA) and explained the situation I
informed her that I arrived to complete a cash check, but that Kevin Palmer spmr had arrived and told me that the
office was going to be approx 60k short and that his father in law was going to make it good by cheque today, she told
me that he would obviously be suspended and then called in for an interview, she then told me that she would be in
interviews throughout the day and could I speak to Paul Southin while she was unavailable. At 10:06 I phoned Rhys
Jones who originally raised the request for a cash check, he gave me the Security Managers details Joel Watson who I
phoned at 10:10 to inform of the situation at this office (The Grange) and that Kevin Palmers father in law would be
settling the shortage by cheque, he confirmed that if that was going to happen then he would not being calling the
police because it can be dealt with within The Post Office.
The decision had already been taken to precautionary suspend Kevin Palmer at 10:00 and that the branch would be
transferred to . The assets were secured in the safe until a relief could be found and the keys taken by Brenda Howcutt,
along with the alarm code that had been changed.
The audit and subsequent transfer of the branch was concluded at 18:00. The branch was rolled into TP 08 BP 02 anda
Final Account produced. The NBSC were advised that the branch would be re-opening on 2015-11-23.
Ifyou require any additional information, please contact me or GRO I
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Sa
First Class News Ltd
105 London Road
Rayleigh
SS6 9AX
Account Statement
Branch:
Enquiries To:
Finance Service Centre
No, 1 Future Walk
Chesterfield
Date: 20.07.2016
Customer Name First Class News Ltd Statement of Account From 01.10.2015 To 20.07.2016
Document Transaction Document Amount(£)
Number Detail Date
Balance b/fwd 30.09.2015 0.00
I 1800079655 Internal Document 29.10.2015 20.00
j 1800061369 Final Account 20.11.2015 61,858.40
I 1800061478 Final Account 23.11.2015 205.61
Balance at 20.07.2016 £62,084.01
www. postoffice.co.uk
other countries.
Post Office Limited is registered in England and Wales. Regd. No. 2154540. Regd. Office: Finsbury Dials,
20 Finsbury Street, London EC2Y 9AQ. The Post Office and Post Office Symbol are registered trademarks of Post Office Limite, jp.thedykjand
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FORMER SUBPOSTMASTERS STATEMENT OF DISCREPANCY
BRANCH NAME
The Grange
BRANCH CODE
103140
CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NUMBER
PRODUCT
Bank of Ireland ATM
DATE OF DISCREPANCY 29.10.2015
AMOUNT Debit £20.00
Horizon entry [£0 Client Data [ £20
DETAILS OF ERROR:
The Bank of Ireland ATM weekly balance for 03.11.2015 showed £20 retracted cash resulting ina
surplus. £20 was shown as a surplus on this balance sheet but was never declared on Horizon via
the Bank of Ireland Atm surplus cash button.
A customer enquiry regarding this retract was received by the Bank and a refund has now been
made to the customer. (See attached reports)
[GL I
I Credit
[627077
DUTY HOLDERS NAME
Andy Pearson
SECOND VALIDATION NAME
TEAM NAME
ATM, Travel & Personal Banking Team
For use by Former Agent Accounting
DATE KEYED TO POLSAP
KEYED BY
CASE OWNER
Date passed to Settlement Team for
processing
Settlement Team processor
Date returned to Former Agents.
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FAD Code ame mp
{Copy of Postmasters weekly ATM balance sheet
runes elaaciog
‘Ose Date Cake
ol
2
an
Deck Totat gg, ATM Serphes ATIC Totals Time Comments
Dsl Ee
403140 _ITheGeango I _s0071358 I aaowz015 I zonazors I 150 61229) 450 61220] Not shown on Horizan
403140 __ITheGange I soorase I oxtvo015I axtvaors I 20 67.950) 20 «97 35005-1240 INot shown on Hortzon
‘Copy of BOI Refunds file
Bot 1D I Date of Txn I Time of Tan
‘Amount I Device I Journal Error
BOIREF I BOIFILE
paova.aaises I 25/03/25 I 18:18:00
150 I sosmsss I cash netracted I _ 2070
95/10-09/10
prova.s26s7e I 29/30/2015 I_ 16:32:00
ba
Amount I Refunded I 1D
350
2
20 I ses7isss I cashnetracted I _ 9708,
94-1514
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6S Post Office Ltd
“~ Upper Floors, the Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
LEEDS
Ls2 7Dz
vu
Strictly private and confidential
Mr K Palmer
First Class News Ltd
The Grange Post Office Main branch
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 9AX
Our ref:
24 November 2015
Dear Mr Palmer
The Grange Post Office® branch at 105 London Road, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9AX
Notice of Suspension of Operator
On Site, Post Office Ltd Main Post Office® Agreement between Post Office Ltd
and First Class News Ltd (the Operator) dated 19 September 2013 (Agreement)
I confirm that First Class News Ltd, the Operator, has been suspended from operating The
Grange Post Office® branch with effect from 20 November 2015. This suspension is in
accordance with Part 2, section 15.1 of the Agreement. It does not mean that the
Agreement has been terminated. However, Post Office Ltd reserves its rights in full.
T will contact you further shortly to confirm the consequences of the suspension and to
confirm what will happen next.
If you have any queries, please contact me.
Yours sincerely
Carol Ballan (Mrs)
Agents Contract Manager
Post Office Limited
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Post Office Ltd
Upper Floors, The Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
LEEDS
2. 7NZ..
Strictly private and confidential
BY SIGHED FOR
Mr K Palmer
First Class News Ltd
The Grange Post Office® Main branch
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 9AX
25 November 2015
Dear Mr Palmer
The Grange Post Office® branch at 105 London Road, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9AX
Consequences of suspension of Operator
On Site, Post Office Ltd Main Post Office® Agreement between Post Office Ltd and First
Class News Ltd (the Operator) dated 19 September 2013 (Agreement)
I refer to my letter dated 24 November 2015 confirming that the Operator, First Class News Ltd,
had been suspended from operating The Grange Post Office® branch (Branch). I am now writing
to set out further details regarding this suspension.
Appointment of temporary substitute
In line with the obligations placed on you under clause 15.2 of Part 2 of the Agreement, I confirm
that Post Office Ltd has appointed a temporary substitute to operate the Branch from the Branch
Premises during the period of suspension. The details of the temporary substitute are set out
below:
I take this opportunity to remind you of the Operator's obligation under clause 15.3 of Part 2 of
the Agreement to " at its own cost and expense promptly take all steps to enable Post Office Ltd to
appoint temporary substitutes as quickly as possible and to enable the temporary substitutes and
their staff to operate the Branch (including by allowing the temporary substitutes and their staff
access to the Branch Premises and the use of the facilities and equipment at the Branch Premises
for the purpose of operating the Branch) during the period of suspension".
Suspension of Payments
In accordance with clause 15.2, Part 2, Post Office Limited has decided to suspend payment of all
sums due to the Operator under the Agreement.
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Next steps
I will be in contact with you further once my investigations are complete.
Yours sincerely
GRO
Agents Contract Manager
Post Office Limited
Post Office Ltd
Upper Floors, The Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
LEEDS
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Te
Strictly private and confidential
BY SPECIAL DELIVERY
Mr K Palmer
Postmaster
First Class News Ltd
Post Office® The Grange Mains branch
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 9AX
4 December 2015
Dear Mr Palmer
Re: Your Main Agreement for The Grange Post Office® branch (Agreement)
Iam writing with regards the recent audit at your Post Office® The Grange Mains branch
when a loss was discovered which resulted in you being precautionary suspended.
T have been informed that indicated to Jim Nott , NFSP , that you believe this loss to be a
Horizon issue . In order for me to complete some initial investigations please can you
complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it to me by 17 December 2015 in the
enclosed envelope.
Please can you include any call reference numbers to the Helpline, dates, and copies of
any documents you feel that are relevant to this case .
All Post Office Limited’s rights and remedies under the Agreement/Contract are hereby
reserved.
Yours sincerely
GRO
Carol Ballan
Agents Contract Manager
Post Office Limited
Post Office Ltd
Upper Floors, the Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
LEEDS
NZ.
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oo”
©
Case.
Questi ;
For internal use only
Case ref:
Your Details
Surname: Forenames:
Your address:
Postcode:
Telephone number 1: Email:
Telephone number 2:
Your Branch
Name of branch: FAD Code of branch:
Address of branch:
Postcode:
Your role at the branch (ie. Subpostmaster, Subpostmistress, clerk, etc.):
When did you begin in this role? Are you still in this role? YES/NO
If no, when did you leave this role:
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Key Questions
The following Key Questions will help with investigating your case and keep consistent Post
Office processes and records.
Q1. What is the main issue or issues you wish us to consider?
Q2. When did the incidents relating to the main issue or issues occur?
Q3. Have you had any prior contact with the Post Office in regard to the issue or issues
you are now reporting? If so, then please provide detail, dates, etc.
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Q4. What assistance if any was provided?
Q5. How was the issue or issues resolved at the time they occurred?
Q6. What is the monetary value of the issue or issues you are now reporting?
Q7. What is your explanation for the events forming the main issue or issues you are now
reporting?
Q8. Were you (or are you currently) the subject of either civil recovery action or criminal
prosecution regarding the main issue or issues you are now reporting?
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Additional information you think relevant:
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A
2
Post Office Ltd
Upper Floors, the Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
LEEDS
REPLY SLIP
Strictly private and confidential :
CONTRA.
Mr K Palmer
First Class News Ltd
The Grange Post Office Main branch
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 SAX
18 December r 2015
Dear Mr Palmer
‘The Grange Post Office@ branch at 105 London Road, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9AX
Notice of Suspension of Operator
On Site, Post Office Ltd Main Post Office® Agreement between Post Office Ltd
and First Class News Ltd (the Operator) dated 19 September 2043 (Agreement)
Invitation to attend informal discussion
As you are aware from my letter dated 24 November 2015, Post Office Limited has been
investigating the losses discovered during the recent audit .
As a result, Post Office Ltd would like to discuss these matters with you at an informal
meeting at 13.00 on Monday 11 January 2016 in POL, Finsbury Dials, 20 Finsbury Street
London EC2Y 9AQ
This informal meeting will provide an opportunity for us to discuss these matters and in
particular will give you the opportunity to comment on the above matters if you so choose.
Post Office Limited will take the contents of the discussion into account in making any
decision as to what will happen next, and this may include immediate termination or other
contractual action depending on the circumstances,
Please can you confirm that you will attend this meeting by signing the enclosed duplicate
of this letter and return it to me, at the address on this letter, by no tater than 5 January
2016
Should you choose to attend you may be accompanied by a friend, who must be
a Post Office Ltd employee, a registered Sub Office Assistant or a Sub postmaster,
who may also be a representative of the National Federation of Subpostmasters.
Post Office Limited Is rogistered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2154540
Registered Otfice Finsbury Dials, 20 Finsbury Street, London, EC2Y 9AQ PostOffice.co.uk
Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trade marks of Post Office Limited
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Post Office Ltd
Upper Floors, the Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
LEEDS
If there are any I specific arrangements that either yourself or your friend will
require with regard to the interview please provide detalls on the enclosed reply
slip.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact me as soon as possible so that we
can discuss alternative dates or arrangements for the informal meeting to take place.
The opportunity to attend a meeting or to provide written comments does not affect Post
Office Ltd’s rights and remedies under the Agreement or otherwise and all such rights are
reserved.
Yours sincerely
GRO
Carol Ballan
Agents Contract Manager
Post Office Limited
Mr Palmer First Class News Ltd - Postmaster The Grange Post Office@® Main
branch (104 140)
10> Iho
Please complete and delete as appropriat.
Tvitaton to attend 37 Tformal- esting and confi
wwe (Name)4§ able to attend
And will be accompanied by
ww ( Print Name )
*] acknowledge receipt of the invitation to attend an informal meeting, I am unable to
make the date suggested and have provided a further date for consideration
Date! \WEONESDAY QATH DARVARH 216
*] acknowledge receipt Invitation to al @h informal meetifig but do ni ish to,
take thé opportunity-t6 attend or to ani je an altemativedate of arran nts fost I
eting. I
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Post Office Ltd
Upper Floors, the Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
LEEDS
Strictly private and confidential
Mr K Palmer
First Class News Ltd
The Grange Post Office Main branch
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 9AX
24 February 2016
Dear Mr Palmer
The Grange Post Office® branch at 105 London Road, Rayleigh Essex SS6 9AX
(the Branch)
Notice of potential termination of On Site, Post Office Ltd Main Post Office®
Agreement between Post Office Ltd and First Class News Ltd (the Operator)
dated 19 September 2013 (Agreement)
As you are aware from my letter dated 24 November 2015 and our informal meeting on 3
February 2016, Post Office Limited has been considering its position in relation to a loss of
£61,858.40 that was identified during an audit on 20 November 2015 (the Loss).
This letter gives you your final opportunity to explain your position with respect to the
Loss.
Breaches of Agreement
You initially advised the auditors that the loss at the Branch would be around £60,000
short. The Loss of £61,858.40 was then discovered. We have requested you to provide
us with information as to how the Loss arose, and you have declined that reasonable
request. Your refusal to provide us with information on how the Loss arose and/or how
you were able to provide such an accurate prediction of the Loss are breaches of the
Agreement.
Your refusal to provide information engages, inter alia, the following provisions of the
Agreement;
Clause 3.6.1 of Part 2 of the Conditions incorporated into the Agreement requires you to
“record such data and information relating to the Branch as Post Office Ltd may require".
Clause 3.6.2 of the Conditions require you to “at the request of Post Office Ltd, promptly
provide either Post Office Ltd or any third party with such information and data as Post
Office Ltd may reasonably require”.
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7
Liability for the Loss
You have, to date, refused to provide us with any information as to how the Loss might
have arisen. Without this, Post Office can only assume that you are responsible for the full
Loss. On this basis, should you fail to make good the Loss to Post Office cash and stock,
you will be in breach of the Agreement in accordance with clause 4.1 of the Conditions.
Clause 4.1 of the Conditions, regarding liability for Post Office Cash and Stock, states that;
“The Operator shall be fully liable for any loss of or damage to, any Post Office Cash and
Stock (however this occurs and whether it occurs as a result of any negligence by the
Operator, its Personnel or otherwise, or as a result of any breach of the Agreement by the
Operator) except for losses arising from the criminal act of a third party (other than
Personnel) which the Operator could not have prevented or mitigated by following Post
Office Ltd’s security procedures or by taking reasonable care. Any deficiencies in stocks of
Products and/or any resulting shortfall in the money payable to Post Office Ltd must be
made good by the Operator without delay so that, in the case of any shortfall, Post Office
Ltd is paid the full amount when due in accordance with the Manual.”
Grounds for termination
Post Office's rights of termination are set out in the clause 16 of the Conditions and
include in particular that Post Office may terminate the Agreement immediately if you:
a) “commit[s] any material breach of the provisions of the Agreement” (clause 16.2.1)
b) “fail[s] to properly account for any money due to, or stock of, Post Office Ltd” (clause
16.2.15)
c) “fail[s] to pay any sum due to Post Office Ltd under the Agreement” (clause 16.2.16)
As a consequence of the matters set out above, and absent the information requested set
out below, in accordance with these grounds, Post Office Limited is entitled to terminate
the Agreement with immediate effect.
Proposed alternative to termination
To date you have declined to offer any information as to how the Loss arose or any reason
why Post Office should not pursue you for the Loss.
By this letter, you are given two weeks to engage with us and provide full details on; I
a) How and why the Loss arose; I
b) On what date the Loss arose; and
c) Whether there are any mitigating circumstances that would suggest you are not
responsible for the Loss.
If you do not provide this information within two weeks of the date of this letter, you will
leave Post Office Limited with no alternative but to terminate the Agreement with
immediate effect so that (amongst other things) First Class News Ltd and its officers will
no longer be permitted to operate the Branch.
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For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of this letter do not constitute a waiver of Post
Office’s right to terminate the Agreement and we reserve all other rights in relation to this
matter, whether under the Contract or otherwise.
Yours sincerely
)
AJ
O
Carol Ballan
Agents Contract Manager
Post Office Limited
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4s Crowe. lO3 140
FIRST CLASS NEWS LTD
Strictly Private and confidential
Carol Ballan
Post Office Limited
Upper Floors, the Markets branch
6-16 New York Street
Leeds
1S2 7D2
7" March 2016
Dear Ms Ballan
Further to your letter dated 24" February 2046, regarding the termination of agreement between
Post Office and First Class News Ltd.
As stated, I attended the informal interview at my own discretion whereby I pointed out that my
written statement had already been submitted the previous week. We were informed at that
previous interview, that you would have been made aware of this statement and your interview
would not have fallen into these lines of questioning. Alas it did.
With regards to your letter and the termination of my contract, I wish you to accept this letter as
written confirmation for my formal resignation from Post Office Ltd with immediate effect.
The Post Office can still trade on my premises as it has been in the interim since my suspension. I do
not wish to have an impact on the staffs; who have been working hard since this situation, whereby
they lose their jobs in the Post Office. I am happy for Interim Enterprises Ltd to continue as they are.
{t would be foolish to remove the Post Office completely as this would impact customers and staff.
Kevin Paimer
Director
First Class News Ltd
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i grt
9) car
The Markets Crown Office
Post Office Ltd
2°¢ Floor The Markets
6 to 16 New York Street
Leeds
LS2 7DZ
Mr K Palmer
First Class News Ltd
The Grange Post Office® Main Branch
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 9AX
14 April 2016
Dear Mr Palmer
The Grange Post Office branch (the Branch)
I write further to your letter dated 7 March 2016 and my letter to you dated 24 February
2016.
Termination of your contract for services
We note that your letter purports to be a letter of resignation “with immediate effect”. In
fact, your contract with Post Office dated 19 September 2013 (the “Agreement”) does not
allow you to terminate the Agreement with immediate effect. We would direct you to clause
16.1 of the Agreement in this respect which states that the Agreement will continue until
either party gives the other 12 months’ written notice or it is terminated at any time in
accordance with its terms. You do not have any contractual basis on which to terminate the
agreement with immediate effect and you have not given 12 months’ written notice.
In contrast, as explained in my previous letter, Post Office does have the right to terminate
your contract with immediate effect in certain circumstances. Clause 16.2 of the Conditions
provides that Post Office can terminate the Agreement immediately if you “commit any
material breach of the provisions of the Agreement” (clause 16.2.1); “fail to properly
account for any money due to, or stock of, Post Office Ltd” (clause 16.2.2); or “fail to pay
any sum due to Post Office Ltd under the Agreement” (clause 16.2.6).
In the circumstances, as you are in breach of clauses 16.2.1, 16.2.2 and 16.2.6 of the
Agreement and you have failed to offer any sufficiently evidenced or coherent alternative
explanation for the losses, Post Office is now left with no choice but to terminate your
Agreement with immediate effect in line with Clause 16 of the Agreement. This letter
should be construed as formal notice of termination of your Agreement with Post Office.
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Liability for the Debt
You entered into a contract for services with Post Office on 19 September 2013 (the
“Agreement’),
Following the identification of a loss of £61,858.40 (the “Debt”) at the Branch during an
audit on 20 November 2015, Post Office requested that you provide information as to how
the loss arose. You declined that request, acting in breach of clauses 3.6.1 and 3.6.2 of the
Agreement regarding the recording and provision of information/data to Post Office. In our
letter dated 23 February 2016, we gave you a final opportunity to explain your position
with respect to the Debt. Again, you have chosen not to provide any response explaining
how you claim the loss has arisen,
The legal position as regards liability for the Debt is clear. As you are aware, you were
operating as Post Office’s agent (see clause 1.2 of the Agreement). The agent-principal
relationship gives rise to certain duties for you as a postmaster. As an agent, you are
required to account in equity to Post Office, your principal. The law provides that where an
agent cannot satisfactorily explain what has happened to his principal’s money/property,
presumptions can be made against him. In other words, in circumstances where no
evidence has been put forward to question the robustness of Horizon, it is for you to
explain to Post Office why this Debt is not due. As noted above, you have not offered any
explanation for how the loss was caused other than the unparticularised and
unsubstantiated allegations about Horizon dealt with below.
The contractual position in respect of liability for shortfalls in cash and stock is clear. As
noted in our previous letter, Clause 4.1 of the Agreement provides:
The Operator shall be fully liable for any loss of or damage to, any Post Office Cash and
Stock (however this occurs and whether it occurs as a result of any negligence by the
Operator, its Personnel or otherwise, or as a result of any breach of the Agreement by the
Operator) except for losses arising from the criminal act of a third party (other than
Personnel) which the Operator could not have prevented or mitigated by following Post
Office Ltd’s security procedures or by taking reasonable care. Any deficiencies in stocks of
Products and/or any resulting shortfall in the money payable to Post Office Ltd must be
made good by the Operator without delay so that, in the case of any shortfall, Post Office
Ltd is paid the full amount when due in accordance with the Manual.
The Agreement clearly states that any shortfall not caused by the criminal act of a third
party other than Personnel must be made good without delay.
Allegations about Horizon
We note that you have made some comments to our security team which indicate that you
believe faults with Horizon caused the loss at the Branch. Post Office rejects this
unsupported allegation.
Horizon is used by 11,500 branches, currently has around 78,000 registered users and is
used to process 6 million transactions every day. It is consistently subject to independent
audits and meets or exceeds industry accreditations.
You have not provided any details of specific dates or times of the alleged problems to
allow Post Office to investigate your claims. Indeed, Post Office has not been presented
with any evidence whatsoever which calls into question your liability to pay the Debt.
4A_32640570_1 2
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Full Debt outstanding
The full amount currently outstanding to Post Office is £62,084.01 (the “Full Debt”). This
consists of the Debt, a £20 ATM discrepancy that arose on 29 October 2015 and a final
account deficiency of £205.61. This further £205.61 discrepancy arose on 23 November
2015 when the Branch was audited on the handover to the temporary postmaster. You will
recall that you agreed for this discrepancy to be settled centrally.
In light of the clarity of the legal position, we trust that you will reconsider your stance on
this matter. Please arrange for payment of the Full Debt into the account below:
Account number? IRRELEVANT!
Sort code:
If you do not repay the Full Debt by13 May 2016, Post Office will have no choice but to
consider formal legal action and your exposure will increase owing to the addition of
interest and legal costs to the Full Debt. It is clearly in your interests to avoid having to
make a significantly larger payment than the current Full Debt so we would urge you to
carefully consider your position. If you need to discuss a payment plan so that the Full Debt
can be paid in instalments, please contact, Former Agents Debt team “, Finance Service
Department, POL, 1 Future Walk , 2°¢ Floor West, Chesterfield S49 1PF —
TelephoneI!__ I
Yours sincerely
Carol Ballan
Post Office Limited
Agent Contract Manager
4A_32640570_1 8
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oO
Finsbury Dials
20 Finsbury Street
London
EC2Y 9AQ
FAO Sabrik Dhamu
Bark & Co Solicitors
Bridewell Court
14 New Bridge Street
London
EC4V 6AG
By email
27 May 2016
Dear Madam,
The Grange Post Office branch (the Branch)
I refer to our conversation of 16 May 2016 with reference to Carol Ballan’s letter of 14
April 2016.
Ms Ballan‘s letter explained that Post Office had decided to terminate your client’s
Agreement with Post Office. The letter also explained that Post Office seeks
repayment of the loss of £61,858.40 that was identified at an audit of the Branch on
20 November 2015. The full amount currently outstanding to Post Office is
£62,084.01 (the “Debt”). As set out in her letter, your client is liable for the Debt,
which Post Office seeks repayment of.
You have referred to a security investigation that Post Office has also been carrying
out, for which your client attended an interview under caution. You asked me how the
contractual review process and the security investigation linked together. Both
consider what has been taking place at the Branch, including with respect to Branch
accounting, which may have led to or contributed to the Branch’s losses, so that Post
Office can take an informed view of the consequential steps it needs to take to protect
(amongst other things) its assets.
In your client's case, this has led to Post Office’s decision to terminate your client’s
Agreement with us and to seek recovery of the Debt. I should let you know that our
Former Agents Debt Team has already prepared papers in connection with formal
legal action. However I have asked them to suspend action until 6 June 2016 to allow
your client a further 7 days to make a decision as to whether he will repay the Debt so
as to avoid incurring further costs of this action, which will of course be sought from
him in due course. Post Office hopes that further action can be avoided, and I will be
happy to consider any reasonable proposals your client may wish to make.
I look forward to hearing from you either on or before 3 June 2016 so that we may
resolve this matter.
Post Office Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered No, 2154540
Post Office Limited has its registered office address at Finsbury Dials, 20 Finsbury Street, London, EC2Y 9AQ.
Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited
postoffice.co.uk
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3 \ Barké&cco
14.New Bridge Street
a I London ECAV 6AG
Without Prejudice Our Ref: 070116/001
FAO: Elisa Lukas/Carol Ballan
Post Office Limited Date: Ist June 2016
20 Finsbury Street
London EC2Y 9AQ
Also by Email; GRO
Dear Ms Lukas and Ms Ballan,
Re: Our Client Kevin Palmer — The Grange Post Office Branch
We write further to your letter dated 27th May which was received by email that day at 16:56hrs.
In the first instance, your letter was received at a time which did not allow any real opportunity
for us to properly consider it’s contents and advise our client. Given the Bank Holiday weekend
followed and our office was closed on Monday 30th May, Tuesday 31st May was the first
opportunity for the contents of your letter to be considered. Your request for a response to your
letter ‘on or before 3rd June 2016’ would appear to be unrealistic in the circumstances. You will
no doubt also appreciate that you responded to us following our telephone conversation, two
weeks later.
Having considered the contents of your letter of the 27th May, we feel that it still does not
clearly answer the questions we raised with you during our telephone conversation. Because of
this, we remain unable to advise our client. It is important for us to have clarity on certain
matters and so we reiterate once again the following;
1. As you know, Mr, Palmer was interviewed under caution by Post Office Investigators on
the 28th January 2016, Carol Ballan’s letter dated 14th April 2016 was then received by
our client. Please confirm whether you and those in charge of the investigation that
interviewed our client in January are one in the same department working on this case
. together, or whether you are separate departments dealing with different aspects of this
case?
2. Both your letter of the 27th May and Carol Ballan’s of the 14th April seem to suggest
that this remains an internal and civil matter. Please confirm (a) that this is and remains
the case? and (b) that no criminal prosecution is contemplated? If not, please confirm the
basis upon which our client is being investigated. 7:
pal Antony Giles Barkjones This rm isAwthorised
& Regulated by the
Solicitors Regulation
Authority (260885).
Prinelp
R
Dx 44
Emergency 2¢hr}
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3. Carol Ballan’s letter of the 14th April states that the ‘debt’ of £62,084.01 remains
outstanding and suggests that payment of those monies should be made by our client
otherwise the ‘Post office will have no choice but to consider formal legal action...’.
Please confirm whether your position is that should our client pay the monies you say are
outstanding, no legal action will be taken, be it civil legal action or a criminal
prosecution?
Once we have clarity of your positon in regards to the above matters, we will be able to advise
our client and formally respond to you.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Bark&co.
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v Post Office Ltd
CAT- 1% Floor
Future Walk, West Bars
Chesterfield
S49 1PF
Strictly private and confidential
BY SIGNED FOR
Mr K Palmer
First Class News Ltd
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 9AX
9 June 2016
Dear Mr Palmer
Consequences of Termination of On Site The Grange Post Office® Main
Agreement between Post Office Ltd and First Class News (the Operator) dated
19 September 2013 (Agreement)
I refer to my letter dated 14 April 2016 giving notice to terminate the Agreement with
effect from 14 April 2016. As advised I am now writing in relation to the consequences of
termination should the Post Office relocate to another site.
In this letter, where I refer to "you" or "your" I am referring to the Operator, Cambridge
Supermarkets Ltd and any references to “we” or “us” are references to Post Office Limited.
Repayment of Set up Costs
As the Agreement has been terminated within 3 years of the Start Date (as specified in
the Agreement), you have an obligation under Part 3 of the Standard Conditions to repay
a proportion of the costs that we incurred in setting up a branch at the above premises,
including any enabling works to accommodate and any equipment used in the operation of
the branch and paid for by Post Office Limited.
The amount to be repaid is £5629.40 which has been calculated as follows:
Total set up costs we incurred £44, 027.86 divided by 1,095 days = £40.21
£40.21 multiplied by 140 (days remaining) = £5629.40.
The Operator is therefore liable to repay the amount of £15629.40 if the Post Office
relocates to an alternative site.
Please note that any repayment of the Set Up Costs is without prejudice to any other
discrepancies (for example, losses of Post Office Limited cash and stock) that may come to
light in the future and we reserve the right to recover such discrepancies from the
Operator.
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Post Office Ltd
CAT- 1% Floor
Future Walk, West Bars
Chesterfield
S49 1PF
Your obligations on termination
You should read Part 2, clauses 17 and 18 in full. I also want to draw your attention to the
following obligations:
1.
Under Part 2 of the Standard Conditions you remain responsible after the termination
date for making good any losses (including losses arising from transaction corrections
and stock losses) incurred while you were operating the branch.
After the termination date, you must not use any intellectual property belonging to
Post Office Limited including any signs or other display or advertising materials or any
other materials which suggest any connection or association with Post Office Limited.
After the termination date, you must not use any personal data in relation to
customers of the branch, and should follow any instructions provided by Post Office
Limited in relation to such data, which may include returning the data to us, or
otherwise carrying out a certified destruction of the data.
Please read and comply with your obligations in relation to Staff Liabilities, Assistants
and the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 in full.
For a period of 12 months after the termination date, you will continue to be bound by
the provisions of clauses 1.5 to 1.7 of section A of Part 6 of the Standard Conditions in
relation to any private business operated by you from the Branch Premises.
Post Office Ltd.’s Audit Team will attend the Branch (if they have not done so already)
to complete a Branch Trading Statement for the last Branch Trading Period ending on
the termination date. The Operator (or, in the case of an Operator being a company,
the Branch Manager or other authorised representative) will need to be present in
order to sign the Branch Trading Statement.
You and each of your Assistants working in the branch are required to signa
Declaration (using form P301) to acknowledge that the provisions of the Official
Secrets Act will continue to apply to apply following the termination of the Agreement
in respect of all the information which you and your Assistants have acquired or to
which you have had access by virtue of the operation of the branch. A copy of form
P301 is available from the HR Service Centre. All such declarations must be completed
and returned to Post Office Limited within 14 days of the termination date.
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Post Office Ltd
CAT- 15 Floor
Future Walk, West Bars
Chesterfield
S49 1PF
Step-in
Under Part 2, clause 18, Post Office Ltd is entitled to occupy all parts of the Branch
Premises that were used or are reasonably necessary for operating the Branch for a period
not exceeding 12 months in order to provide continuity of services to customers. The
Operator is required to cooperate fully in relation to step-in.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter with 10 days from the date above.
Yours sincerely
Agents Contract Manager
Post Office Limited
I acknowledge receipt of the letter detailing consequences of termination.
Signed...
Mr K Palmer
Position......Director....
First Class News Ltd
Date:
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Post Office Ltd
CAT- 15 Floor
Future Walk, West Bars
Chesterfield
S49 1PF
REPLY SLIP
Strictly private and confidential
BY SIGNED FOR
Mr K Palmer
First Class News Ltd
105 London Road
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 9AX
9 June 2016
Dear Mr Palmer
Consequences of Termination of On Site The Grange Post Office® Main
Agreement between Post Office Ltd and First Class News (the Operator) dated
19 September 2013 (Agreement)
I refer to my letter dated 14 April 2016 giving notice to terminate the Agreement with
effect from 14 April 2016. As advised I am now writing in relation to the consequences of
termination should the Post Office relocate to another site.
In this letter, where I refer to "you" or "your" I am referring to the Operator, Cambridge
Supermarkets Ltd and any references to “we” or “us” are references to Post Office Limited.
Repayment of Set up Costs
As the Agreement has been terminated within 3 years of the Start Date (as specified in
the Agreement), you have an obligation under Part 3 of the Standard Conditions to repay
a proportion of the costs that we incurred in setting up a branch at the above premises,
including any enabling works to accommodate and any equipment used in the operation of
the branch and paid for by Post Office Limited.
The amount to be repaid is £5629.40 which has been calculated as follows:
Total set up costs we incurred £44, 027.86 divided by 1,095 days = £40.24
£40.21 multiplied by 140 (days remaining) = £5629.40.
The Operator is therefore liable to repay the amount of £15629.40 if the Post Office
relocates to an alternative site.
Please note that any repayment of the Set Up Costs is without prejudice to any other
discrepancies (for example, losses of Post Office Limited cash and stock) that may come to
light in the future and we reserve the right to recover such discrepancies from the
Operator.
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Post Office Ltd
CAT- 1% Floor
Future Walk, West Bars
Chesterfield
S49 1PF
Your obligations on termination
You should read Part 2, clauses 17 and 18 in full. I also want to draw your attention to the
following obligations:
8. Under Part 2 of the Standard Conditions you remain responsible after the termination
date for making good any losses (including losses arising from transaction corrections
and stock losses) incurred while you were operating the branch.
9. After the termination date, you must not use any intellectual property belonging to
Post Office Limited including any signs or other display or advertising materials or any
other materials which suggest any connection or association with Post Office Limited.
10. After the termination date, you must not use any personal data in relation to
customers of the branch, and should follow any instructions provided by Post Office
Limited in relation to such data, which may include returning the data to us, or
otherwise carrying out a certified destruction of the data.
11, Please read and comply with your obligations in relation to Staff Liabilities, Assistants
and the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 in full.
12. For a period of 12 months after the termination date, you will continue to be bound by
the provisions of clauses 1.5 to 1.7 of section A of Part 6 of the Standard Conditions in
relation to any private business operated by you from the Branch Premises.
13. Post Office Ltd.'s Audit Team will attend the Branch (if they have not done so already)
to complete a Branch Trading Statement for the last Branch Trading Period ending on
the termination date. The Operator (or, in the case of an Operator being a company,
the Branch Manager or other authorised representative) will need to be present in
order to sign the Branch Trading Statement.
14. You and each of your Assistants working in the branch are required to sign a
Declaration (using form P301) to acknowledge that the provisions of the Official
Secrets Act will continue to apply to apply following the termination of the Agreement
in respect of all the information which you and your Assistants have acquired or to
which you have had access by virtue of the operation of the branch. A copy of form
P301 is available from the HR Service Centre. All such declarations must be completed
and returned to Post Office Limited within 14 days of the termination date.
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Post Office Ltd
CAT- 1% Floor
Future Walk, West Bars
Chesterfield
S49 1PF
Step-in
Under Part 2, clause 18, Post Office Ltd is entitled to occupy all parts of the Branch
Premises that were used or are reasonably necessary for operating the Branch for a period
not exceeding 12 months in order to provide continuity of services to customers. The
Operator is required to cooperate fully in relation to step-in.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter with 10 days from the date above.
Yours sincerely
Agents Contract Manager
Post Office Limited
T acknowledge receipt of the letter detailing consequences of termination.
Signed...
Mr K Palmer
Position......Director..
First Class News Ltd
Date:
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SK:
Jackie Grace
From: Sabrik Dhamy,
Sent: 20 June 2016
To: Elisa Lukas
Ce: Carol Ballan
Subject: RE: Kevin Palmer, The Grange Post Office
Dear Ms Lukas,
Further to your letter dated 27" May and my reply to you on the 1 June, I am writing as I still have not
received a response from you or Carol Ballan.
Additionally, I also understand from my client that he has received further correspondence from Ms
Ballan dated 9 June, but not in response to our letter.
I would be grateful if you would confirm when we are to receive a response to our letter so that we can
advise our client moving forward.
Regards,
Sabrik Dhamu
Solicitor
Bark & Co Solicitors
Bridewell Court
14 New Bridge Street
London.
EC4V 6AG.
DX 447 London Chancery Lane
http;, J ‘www.barkco.com
Specialists in Serious Fraud, Serious & Complex Crime and Civil Litigation.
This firm is Authorised & Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (260885).
This email is confidential and may contain legally privileged information. If you are not the above named addressee,
it may be unlawful for you to read, copy, distribute, disclose or otherwise use the information in this email. If you
are not the intended recipient, please notify us immediately on the number provided.
From: Elisa Lukas I
Sent: 27 May.2016.16::
To: sdhamug _
Subject: Kevin Palmer, The Grange Post Office
Dear Madam
Please see the attached letter.
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Be
Finsbury Dials
20 Finsbury Street
London
EC2Y 9AQ
FAO Sabrik Dhamu
Bark & Co Solicitors
Bridewell Court
14 New Bridge Street
London
EC4V 6AG
By email
23 June 2016
Dear Madam,
The Grange Post Office branch (the Branch)
I refer to your letter of 1 June 2016 in response to my letter of 27 May 2016.
For the avoidance of doubt, I am responding on behalf of Post Office Limited. I have
already explained how Post Office’s contractual review process and the security
investigation linked together and in any event, I do not understand how that has any
bearing on your client's liability to repay the Debt.
Post Office has determined that it will pursue your client through civil proceedings for
repayment of the Debt, rather than bring a criminal prosecution. However, we hope
that such civil action will not prove necessary and that your client's proposal to settle
the Debt will now be forthcoming.
GRO
Post Office Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2154540
Post Office Limited has its registered office address at Finsbury Dials, 20 Finsbury Street, London, EC2Y SAQ 5
Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited postoffice.co.uk
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Aw i *
Land Registry
Edition date 31.07.2014
Official copy —Tenumbe_GRO
1 ' = This official copy shows the entries on the register of title on
of register of 17 MAY 2016 a 15:35:45. °
. — This date must be quoted as the "search from date" in any
I
tit e : official search application based on this copy.
— The date at the beginning of an entry is the date on which
the entry was made in the register.
— Issued on 17 May 2016.
— Under s.67 of the Land Registration Act 2002, this copy is
wee _- . admissible in evidence to the same extent as the original.
— This title is dealt with by Land Registry, Peterborough Office.
A: Property Register
This register describes the land and estate comprised in the title.
ESSEX : CASTLE POINT
1 (05.05.2011) The Freehold land shown edged with red on the plan of the
above title filed at the Registry and being
2 (05.05.2011) The land has the benefit of the rights granted by but is
subject as mentioned in the Transfer dated 27 November 1958 referred to
in the Charges Register.
3 (05.05.2011) The Transfer dated 27 November 1958 referred to above
contains provisions as to light or air and boundary structures.
B: Proprietorship Register
This register specifies the class of title and identifies the owner. It contains
any entries that affect the right of disposal.
Title absolute
1 (05.05.2011) PROPRIETOR: KEVIN LESLIE PALMER and HELEN CLARE PALMER of
2 (05.05.2011) The price stated to have been paid on 27 April 2011 was
£280,000.
3 (05.05.2011) RESTRICTION: No disposition of the registered estate by
the proprietor of the registered estate is to be registered without a
written consent signed by the proprietor for the time being of the
Charge dated 27 April 2011 in favour of Barclays Bank PLC referred to
in the Charges Register.
C: Charges Register
This register contains any charges and other matters that affect the land.
1 (05.05.2011) A Conveyance of the land in this title and other land
dated 21 April 1927 made between (1) Charles Augustus Draper Whitfield
and Alice Elizabeth Whitfield (Vendor) and (2) Charles Ernest Louis
10f3
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C: Charges Register continued
Gilbert (Purchaser) contains covenants details of which are set out in
the schedule of restrictive covenants hereto.
2 (05.05.2011) A Transfer of the land in this title dated 27 November
1958 made between (1) Alfred Walter Hardy (2) Lloyds Bank Limited and
(3) Joan Tudor Gridley contains restrictive covenants.
NOTE: Copy filed.
3 (05.05.2011) REGISTERED CHARGE dated 27 April 2011.
4 (05.05.2011) Proprietor: BARCLAYS BANK PLC (Co. Regn. No. 1026167) of
P.O. Box 187, Leeds LS11 1AN.
5 (05.05.2011) The proprietor of the Charge dated 27 April 2011 referred
to above is under an obligation to make further advances. These
advances will have priority to the extent afforded by section 49(3)
Land Registration Act 2002.
6 (31.07.2014) UNILATERAL NOTICE in respect of a Charge dated 30 July
2014.
NOTE: Copy filed.
7 (31.07.2014) BENEFICIARY: Evolution Banking Limited (Co. Regn. No.
06113307) of Bauhaus, Rossetti Place, 27 Quay Street, Manchester M3
3GY.
Schedule of restrictive covenants
1 (05.05.2011) The following are details of the covenants contained in
the Conveyance dated 21 April 1927 referred to in the Charges
Register:-
COVENANT by Purchaser to the intent that the same should be binding on
the land thereby conveyed into whosesoever hands the same might come
but not so as to make the Purchaser personally liable after he should
have ceased to possess the legal estate of the said land with the
Vendors to observe and perform the restrictions and stipulations and
conditions contained in the Schedule thereto.
THE SCHEDULE referred to
1. The Purchaser shall forthwith erect and forever after maintain a
boundary fence on the side of the said land where marked "I" on the
said plan within the boundary and also fronting the said proposed new
road to the approval of the Vendor or their Surveyor.
2. No building to be erected upon any part of the said land of less
value than £600 The value of a house to be the amount of its first net
cost in materials and labour or construction estimated at the lowest
current prices at the time of building.
3. The plans to be first approved by the Vendors or their Surveyor
before being submitted to the Local Authorities. No building to
project beyond the building line of 20 feet shewn on the plan and the
land in front between the building line and the road to be used only as
a forecourt or approach to the building and be fenced in with walls or
fences of a height pattern and construction approved by the Vendors or
their Surveyors. No alteration to be made in the front or rear
elevation of any building after its erection without the written
consent of the Vendors or their Surveyor.
4. No building erected on the said land shall without the previous
consent of the Vendors be used or occupied as a public house or
beershop or for the sale of sale beer wine malt or spirituous liquors
or for a hospital convalescent home infirmary for fever or infectious
diseases lunatic asylum or establishment for insane persons or for a
chapel meeting house school or as a pawnbrokers or for any noisome
offensive or dangerous art trade business occupation or manufacture or
for any purpose other than as a private dwelling house
5. The Purchaser shall not do or suffer to be done anything which shall
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Title number!
Schedule of restrictive covenants continued
be or may become a nuisance annoyance or disturbance to the Vendors or
the owners tenants or occupiers of other portions of the adjacent lands
belonging to the Vendors
6. No sand gravel clay chalk or soil shall be removed from the said
land except for the erection of buildings thereon and bricks or clay
shall not be burnt or made thereon.
7. No caravan house on wheels or other construction and no swing booth
or roundabout shall be erected or allowed to be fixed or placed or
allowed to remain upon the said land and the Vendors or their Agent may
break down any fences or forcibly enter on the said land for the
purpose of removing any such construction or erection and the Vendors
and their Agents shall not be responsible for any damage caused
thereby.
NOTE:-No boundary of the land in this title is marked 'T!
End of register
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