Key Summary
Post Office Horizon scandal inquiry, led by retired high court judge Sir Wyn Williams, is set to publish the first volume of its final report on July 8.
The first volume is expected to focus on redress, compensation and the human impact of the Horizon scandal.
The report will be laid before Parliament in line with Section 26 of the Inquiries Act 2005. In accordance with Rule 17 of the Inquiry Rules 2006, the Inquiry’s Core Participants will be provided with the report ahead of its publication.
Under Rule 13 of the Inquiry Rules 2006, the Inquiry has issued warning letters to those criticised in the report, allowing them a reasonable opportunity to respond. After the report gets published, Sir Wyn will make a live statement around noon of the same day.
Findings for the remaining phases, as well as overall recommendations, will follow in a final report, to be published in due course.
Established in non-statutory form in September 2020, the inquiry was converted to a statutory inquiry on June 1 2021.
Sir Williams was tasked with ensuring there is a public summary of the failings which occurred with the Horizon IT system at the Post Office leading to the suspension, termination of subpostmasters’ contracts, prosecution and conviction of subpostmasters.
The Inquiry looked to establish a clear account of the implementation and failings of the system over its lifetime (a period of over 20 years).
Over the course hearings, the Inquiry gathered relevant evidence from affected persons, previous and current subpostmasters and subpostmistresses, Post Office Ltd, UK Government Investment (UKGI), Fujitsu, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), amongst others.
It was announced in mid-May this year that Sir Williams intends to publish the first part of his final report this summer.
Sir Williams said, “Throughout my investigations, I have heard how people have faced unimaginable hardship due to the impacts of the Horizon scandal, from wrongful convictions and financial ruin to broken relationships and severe emotional distress.
"I have also held several compensation hearings, which have stressed the urgency for people to receive redress that is full, fair and prompt.
“I have always been of the view that those who have been affected by the Horizon scandal should be at the heart of the Inquiry’s work.
"So, it seems fitting that my conclusions on the suffering endured by so many, as well as the issue of redress, should be at the forefront of my report and published as soon as feasibly possible.”
