Sir Alan Bates, a former subpostmaster and founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA), believes it’s time to take a strong stand against the government’s handling of compensation for subpostmasters who won their case against the Post Office. He recently met with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) and noticed some unsettling similarities between the Windrush compensation scheme and the ongoing struggles of JFSA members.
Bates mentioned that the JFSA might be nearing its end after fighting for justice for about 15 years. The members of the JFSA are involved in a group litigation order, which aims to compensate hundreds of subpostmasters who challenged the Post Office in 2018 and 2019. They managed to prove that the Horizon computer system created mysterious shortfalls, for which they were wrongfully blamed.
At a recent meeting in Kineton with 150 GLO group members, Bates noted that while many are at various stages in their claims, many are still waiting for their final settlements. He now urges them to consider a new complaint against the Department for Business and Trade.
Bringing a complaint to the Parliamentary ombudsman could shed light on the government’s involvement in this scandal. The ombudsman has the authority to summon documents and individuals, similar to a High Court judge. Bates emphasized that political leadership changes, but the civil service remains constant and continues to influence government actions.
Back in 2020, the JFSA lodged a complaint regarding the government’s oversight of the Post Office, claiming it failed to protect subpostmasters from wrongful prosecutions over unexplained losses instead of investigating potential system errors. This complaint is still pending, awaiting the conclusion of an ongoing public inquiry into the scandal.
Looking ahead, Bates mentioned that the JFSA plans to evaluate their situation by the end of the year. If there isn’t significant progress or a clear timeline for the compensation scheme, they are prepared to consider further legal action and may even return to court. They might invite a specialized law firm to discuss strategies with the group in January. This endeavor could mean another fundraising push on a national level, but Bates is confident they could gather the needed support.
He reflected on the JFSA’s journey since its inception in 2009, spurred by findings from Computer Weekly’s investigation into the Post Office. Bates expressed hope that August 2025 could mark a final meeting, one that might bring closure and fulfill the mission the JFSA has worked so hard to achieve.