Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS)

We are here to assist you if you were wrongly convicted due to the flawed Horizon IT system, which was installed in numerous post offices across the UK. Many individuals have had their criminal convictions overturned as a result of this serious miscarriage of justice. We understand how devastating this experience must have been for you, and we are committed to helping you navigate the compensation process to achieve justice.

The Horizon IT system caused accounting discrepancies, leading to wrongful convictions for theft and false accounting. This injustice affected postmasters, postmistresses, and employees of the Post Office across the country, causing financial, professional, and personal hardships. If you have been affected, you are not alone—support is available.

The Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS)

The government has recently passed legislation to quash convictions for hundreds of people wrongly implicated in the Post Office Horizon scandal. In addition, they have established the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) to provide compensation for those who have not yet been compensated.

Under the HCRS Scheme, you have two main options:

• Fixed Settlement Sum: You can apply for a fixed settlement sum of £600,000. This option may provide a quicker resolution but may not fully account for the extent of your financial losses or damages.
• Detailed Assessment: Alternatively, you can opt for a detailed assessment of your actual losses. This process may take longer but could lead to a higher compensation amount, depending on your specific circumstances.

It is crucial that you receive assistance in gathering evidence to accurately value your claim. Accepting the fixed settlement sum might seem straightforward, but without an in-depth evaluation, you could potentially under-settle your claim when you may be entitled to significantly more.

If you ran or worked in a Post Office branch using the Horizon IT system, were convicted of an offence related to it, and have had your conviction quashed, you may be eligible to claim under the HCRS Scheme. You should have received a letter from the Ministry of Justice about your conviction being quashed.

How Hopkins Solicitors Can Help

At Hopkins Solicitors, we can:

• Advise on Your Eligibility: Determine if you are eligible to claim under the HCRS Scheme.
• Guide You Through the Process: Assist you every step of the way, ensuring that all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted on time.
• Assist with Evidence Collection: Help gather the necessary documentation to support your losses and strengthen your case.
• Assess Settlement Options: Provide expert advice on whether to accept the fixed settlement or pursue a detailed assessment based on your situation.

Our aim is to make this complex process as smooth as possible for you, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Fees and Costs

As part of the HCRS Scheme, the government will pay a fixed sum towards legal costs if you choose to instruct a solicitor. The amount covered depends on the value of your settlement. At Hopkins Solicitors, we will accept the fixed sum provided by the government and will not charge any additional fees. This means our services are cost-free to you, provided you instruct us through the conclusion of your claim. We are dedicated to helping you achieve a fair outcome without adding any financial burden.

Additional Support: The Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS)

In addition to the HCRS Scheme, the government has also established the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) to assist those who experienced financial shortfalls caused by the Horizon system but were not necessarily prosecuted. If you have experienced such shortfalls, you may be eligible for compensation under the HSS. This scheme aims to provide an additional layer of redress for individuals who have suffered due to this scandal.

Why Choose Hopkins Solicitors?

• Experience: With over a century of legal expertise, our firm has successfully represented individuals in complex cases and understands the importance of personalised client care.
• Compassionate Approach: We recognise the stress and emotional toll wrongful convictions can take, and we approach every case with empathy and understanding.
• Client-Focused Service: Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that you are fully informed throughout the process and that your best interests are always prioritised.

If you believe you are eligible for compensation, contact us today to discuss your case. We are here to support you in reclaiming your life after this injustice and to guide you on the journey to fair compensation.

The Timeline

• 24th May 2024: The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act received Royal Assent, leading to the quashing of hundreds of convictions linked to the Horizon IT system. This act aimed to rectify wrongful convictions and ensure redress for affected individuals across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, followed by similar action in Scotland on June 13, 2024.
• 30th July 2024: The UK government announced the launch of the HCRS to provide compensation to those whose convictions were overturned under this new legislation. The scheme, managed by the Department for Business and Trade, offered an initial sum to eligible individuals, with a total redress amounting to up to £600,000 per person, structured to provide preliminary and final payments.
• 1st August 2024: Applications officially opened, and further guidance was published to help affected individuals register for redress, which included legal cost support and detailed case assessment options for more complex cases.

We are here to protect what’s most important—your rights, reputation, and financial well-being.

If you have any questions or need further information, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are ready to assist you with every step of your claim under the HCRS and HSS Schemes.