SUBS0000094
SUBS0000094
IN THE MATTER OF THE POST OFFICE HORIZON IT INQUIRY
SUBMISSIONS ON THE HSS APPEALS PROCESS
On behalf of POST OFFICE LIMITED
1. These brief submissions are made on behalf of Post Office Limited (‘POL’) further to the
Chair’s invitation dated 2 May 2025 to make submissions regarding the Horizon Shortfall
Scheme Appeals ('HSSA') process.
2. POL wholeheartedly welcomes the introduction of an independent appeals process, having
recognised for some time that independence was an essential component in building
Postmasters' trust and confidence in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (‘HSS’).
3. By way of brief background, POL first proposed an appeals mechanism to the Department of
Business and Trade (‘DBT') in early December 2023.' Nick Read, then CEO of POL, explained
to the Business and Trade Committee in February 2024 that Post Office remained "very keen"?
for an appeals process to be established Simon Recaldin, Remediation Director, also explained
to the Committee that POL recommended the introduction of an appeals process? Mr Recaldin
reiterated the same support for an independent appeals mechanism in both his oral‘ and written*
evidence to the Inquiry, and again to the Business and Trade Committee in November 2024°.
4. As set out in POL's Closing Submissions for Phases 5, 6 and 7, it has been a long-held view of
both Mr Read and Mr Recaldin that in fact the overarching compensation scheme, not justan
appeals process, should be run independently from POL! Nigel Railton, interim Chair of POL,
has also been very clear that POL should not be involved in redress and the payment of
compensation and has advocated for both the HSS and Overturned Convictions Process to be
transferred to DBT.
5. In light of POL's view that independence is needed, POL welcomes the HSSA and is grateful
for DBT's efforts in establishing it. POL remains fully committed to supporting and cooperating
with DBT, to the extent required, including in resolving any initial operational matters that
arise. POL is engaged with DBT to identify issues and play what part it can in assisting DBT
to resolve them. This includes, for example, ensuring that the tax position is consistent between
the HSS and HSSA.
6. As stated above, POL fully supports an independent appeals process and remains committed to
working with DBT to ensure that Postmasters receive full, fair and prompt redress.
7. POL stands ready to provide any further information that would assist the Chair.
14 May 2025
1 WITN09890600, § 147.
? POL00448410, Question 496.
> POL00448410, Questions 506 and 516.
4 1NQ00001200, SR T 04/11/24 [117 ~ 118}.
5 WITN09890600, §144.1, §145, §149.
© RLIT0000507, Question 256.
7 SUBS0000064, §267-272.
8 SUBS0000064, §273