The UK government has launched the Capture Redress Scheme to compensate postmasters who suffered financial losses due to faults in the Post Office’s Capture accounting software, used between 1992 and 2000. The scheme opens today, allowing eligible postmasters to apply for compensation after decades of hardship caused by the system’s accounting errors, which in many cases forced them to cover shortfalls from their own savings.
The redress programme was developed in consultation with affected postmasters and draws lessons from the Horizon IT redress schemes, which have already paid over £1.2 billion to more than 9,000 victims. The Capture Redress Scheme aims to deliver swift and fair compensation through immediate preliminary payments of £10,000 for eligible claimants, followed by full assessments from an independent panel. Final awards will range between £10,000 and £300,000, with higher payments available in exceptional cases. All awards will be tax-exempt and disregarded for means-tested benefits.
To ensure fairness and accessibility, the scheme will begin with a pilot phase for 150 claimants before being rolled out more broadly. Post Office Minister Blair McDougall acknowledged the long struggle of postmasters for justice, emphasizing that the scheme represents a key step toward restoring dignity and recognition for their suffering.
The scheme is open to postmasters without criminal convictions related to Capture. Those with convictions must apply through the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) or its Scottish counterpart. If any convictions are later deemed unsafe and overturned, the government has pledged to provide appropriate redress. Applications for compensation and detailed guidance are available through GOV.UK.
