Press release -
Over 12,400 eligible Horizon Shortfall Scheme claims received before scheme closure
Data from the final day of the Horizon Shortfall Scheme shows that a total of 12,463 eligible claims have been submitted between 2020, when the scheme opened, and 31 January 2026, when the scheme closed.
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme, which is operated by Post Office, is for current and former postmasters who experienced shortfalls related to previous versions of the Horizon system.
A closing date for the scheme was set at 31 January 2026 in response to a recommendation made by Public Inquiry Chair Sir Wyn Williams in his Volume 1 report.
In the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, the latest figures from 31 January 2026 show:
- Of the 12,463 eligible claims, offers have been made to 10,940 people; 88% of eligible claims have received an offer.
- To date, £863 million has been paid through the Horizon Shortfall Scheme. Of this, nearly £548 million was paid out in 2025 alone (over 63%).
- The rate at which claims are being completed has improved, with an eightfold increase in the number of Horizon Shortfall Scheme claims resolved in 2025 compared with 2024.
Important changes were made to the scheme in 2025 to improve efficiency and provide greater support to help people with their applications. For example, those who have applied now have a dedicated person to contact with queries or concerns about their application as it progresses through the scheme so they can stay updated, while the Post Office’s Remediation Contact Centre is also available by phone and email.
Joanne Hanley, Remediation Director at Post Office, said: “I am glad that people took the opportunity to submit their Horizon Shortfall Scheme applications ahead of the 31 January closing date. Our specialist teams are fully committed to processing applications as quickly as possible to bring resolution for those who have applied, and we are aiming to complete the majority of Fixed Sum Offer claims by summer 2026 and the majority of fully assessed claims by the end of the year.”
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals process, which is managed by the Department for Business and Trade, is also available for applicants who are unhappy with their offer to ensure they have the full opportunity to receive fair redress.
Notes to editors
Please note that, late in this reporting period, there was a sharp increase in application volumes due to the scheme’s closing deadline of 31 January 2026. By the date of this publication, we are still processing this influx. Consequently, a further rise in ‘claims received’ is expected despite the scheme now having closed to new applications.
Full information for applicants is available on the Horizon Shortfall Scheme website: The Horizon Shortfall Scheme | One Post Office.
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About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
