Last Updated: 2025-05-20 ~ BBC News
Post Office to Compensate Victims of Data Breach
The Post Office has agreed to pay compensation to hundreds of former sub-postmasters after their personal details — including names and addresses — were mistakenly published on its website.
This data breach, which came to light in June last year, involved 555 individuals linked to the Horizon IT scandal. The Post Office has now confirmed that victims will receive payments of either £5,000 or £3,500, depending on whether they lived at the published address at the time. Some may be eligible for higher amounts if they choose to pursue further claims.
Law firm Freeths, which represented the sub-postmasters in the 2017 High Court Horizon case, negotiated the compensation. Of the 420 individuals it currently represents in the broader compensation process, 348 have already received their payouts related to this breach.
Chris Head, a former sub-postmaster and vocal advocate for justice, criticised the Post Office for its delayed response. He said the breach added to years of trauma caused by the Horizon scandal, highlighting the emotional toll it took on victims and their families.
The Post Office reiterated its apology and confirmed it was working closely with the Information Commissioner’s Office. It also stated it is willing to review special cases for higher compensation and encouraged anyone not contacted to reach out directly or via their legal representatives.
Freeths partner Will Richmond-Coggan emphasized that while the agreement avoids the need for formal claims, victims retain the right to seek additional redress.
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