The Post Office and its subpostmasters are set to break away from their reliance on Fujitsu for audit data as they move to a new system. This change will kick off early next year when they start migrating legacy Horizon data to a Post Office cloud system. This cloud will also store information from new branch technologies.
For 25 years, the Post Office has had to request Horizon data through audit record queries (ARQs). This data could have cleared subpostmasters from blame during disputes over unexplained shortfalls. However, the Post Office hesitated to use it because it was limited in how many free requests it could make before incurring charges from Fujitsu.
Andy Nice, the IT chief at the Post Office, shared that they are currently working on replacing the aging audit solution with a cloud-based system. This new system will integrate audit data not only from the old Horizon system but also from the updated branch technologies. Fujitsu’s head, Paul Patterson, disclosed during a public inquiry that all historical Horizon data would be transferred to the Post Office by February, ensuring they have everything needed.
Nice outlined that they are finalizing the migration design, working closely with Fujitsu and other partners to develop a strategic solution for this transition. Testing will begin after Christmas, and the actual data migration is set for early 2025.
The costs and limitations around ARQs have stirred up controversy in the Horizon scandal. Judge Peter Fraser pointed out in a 2019 ruling that the Post Office should have actively sought this audit data in cases involving possible suspensions or contract terminations. He remarked that failing to do so was unreasonable and that their commercial arrangements with Fujitsu did not justify ignoring critical evidence.
During a December 2023 inquiry, former investigator David Posnett confirmed that ARQ costs were indeed a significant concern for the Post Office, as they had to monitor all expenditures closely.
Once the migration is complete, Nice stated the Post Office would no longer rely on Fujitsu for data through the ARQ process. This advancement could offer subpostmasters direct access to their audit data, marking a shift in their operations.
As part of a broader technology transformation plan, Nice emphasized that they are overhauling not just the Horizon platform but also the systems that help subpostmasters manage their branches with confidence. In a recent interview, he urged subpostmasters to evaluate him based on the outcomes of these changes.
This story has roots that stretch back to 2009 when Computer Weekly first reported on the scandal, highlighting the struggles of seven subpostmasters impacted by the Horizon software, which led to one of the most extensive miscarriages of justice in British history.