Runnymede & Weybridge MP Dr Ben Spencer has commented on the Post Office scandal in the news again this week, where sub-postmasters were wrongly accused (and in some cases convicted) of theft due to a glitch in the Horizon computer system.
Dr Ben commented: "It truly is appalling what happened to those that were affected, and constituents have contacted me about what the Government is doing about it.
"The Government has already announced that every Postmaster who was wrongfully convicted and has had it overturned under Horizon evidence will be offered up to £600,000 in compensation, and have all reasonable legal costs covered. For postmasters who have already received payments or reached settlements, where this is less than this figure, they will be paid the difference. While all those convicted are eligible without needing to bring a formal claim, the scheme is entirely optional and postmasters can continue with a formal claim if they wish."
In addition, the Government has introduced the Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Bill, which was debated in Parliament just before Christmas. This will support these payments and ensure that people who exposed the scandal do not miss out on compensation. Anyone Runnymede & Weybridge constituents who have been personally affected are encouraged to contact our MP at [email protected]
In other news, Dr Ben has received assurances from the Post Office that it will not be withdrawing vital services from Chertsey, as had been feared locally.
Dr Ben said: "Access to Post Office services is vital for many residents across Runnymede and Weybridge, and following concerns raised to me by residents over the future of #Chertsey Post Office, I am pleased to have received assurances that there are no plans to close or reduce services in Chertsey. Following my correspondence with the Post Office CEO, they have stated: 'There are no plans to change the branch services, and customers will benefit from extended opening times after the counter is relocated. One Stop are still finalising their plans for the branch, with the changes due to take place next Spring 2024' Customers will be notified if there will need to be any temporary reduction in services while in store changes take place, but I am delighted the long term future of these vital services is secure."