Sir Alan Bates blames ‘flimflam artists’ for delaying Horizon scandal compensation payouts

Business

Post Office campaigner Sir Alan Bates has blamed government “flimflam artists” for dragging out financial redress for victims.

In a newsletter, seen by Sky News, he criticises the GLO (Group Litigation Order) scheme for being a “gravy train” for government lawyers,

He adds it is “seemingly to ensure maximum income for the lawyers and minimal settlement for the victims”.

He continues: “I have come to the conclusion that the department is run by government-employed flimflam artists, whose only role is to draw out the GLO Scheme, and probably the other schemes, and spin the narrative then bury it in bureaucracy.”

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “It isn’t acceptable that sub-postmasters feel they aren’t being listened to or have their claims drawn out. Our ministers will continue to meet with those affected and work with them to get swift and fair redress paid.”

“Since July we have taken swift action to launch the new Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and announced a new appeals process in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme in order to speed up payments further.

“At the end of August the GLO scheme had made offers to 253 people – over 80% of them have accepted, and more are still considering.

“We are making 90% of initial offers within 40 working days of receiving completed claims and we encourage the 229 people who have not yet sent us complete claims to come forward as soon as possible to can claim back what they are owed.”

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