Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Post Office Casework Team Contingency Fund Application

13 May 2024 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Mike Freer Con Finchley and Golders Green

Justice & CourtsParliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Ministry of Justice seeks parliamentary approval for a 1.15m advance from the Contingencies Fund.
  • The requested funds are to establish a casework team addressing the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.
  • The casework team will identify affected convictions and notify postmasters once relevant legislation receives Royal Assent.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the Ministry of Justice's intention to seek funding for establishing a casework team related to the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.

Action requested

The Minister requests parliamentary approval for an advance of £1.15m from the Contingencies Fund to establish a casework team to identify affected convictions and notify postmasters once the relevant legislation receives Royal Assent, expected before Summer Recess.

Key facts

  • The Post Office Horizon IT scandal began in the late 1990s.
  • Legislation (Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill) was introduced on 13 March 2024.
  • The bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 30 April 2024.
  • Parliamentary approval for £1,150,000 in additional resource will be sought through a Main Estimate.
  • Urgent expenditure estimated at £1,150,000 is requested from the Contingencies Fund.
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