Post Office still using scandal-hit Horizon

CAMPAIGNERS fear people will be put off buying and running Post Offices as it was revealed Fujitsu’s scandal-hit Horizon IT system will be used for another five years.

The Japanese firm – whose faulty software led to the wrongful prosecutions of more than 900 sub-postmasters – said earlier this year that it would not apply for any work with “new government customers”.

Post Office bosses had hoped to replace its IT system by the time the Fujitsu contract was due to expire in March next year.

But it has now emerged the deadline will be pushed back to 2030 after a reported £180million deal with Fujitsu to extend the Horizon contract.

Sub-postmaster Richard Trinder, who runs campaign groupvoice of the Postmaster, said Fujitsu should donate profits to victims of the Horizon scandal.

He said: “We want the new system to be the right one when it does come in so we understand there needs to be a new system.

“However, it would have been nice for Fujitsu to do this work for free and donate the £180million to victims of the scandal.

“It is a possibility that people will be put off buying Post Offices if they know Horizon software is still installed.”

The Horizon scandal came under the spotlight when the ITV series, Mr Bates vs The

Post Office, this year dramatised sub-postmaster Alan Bates’s fight for justice. A public inquiry that began in 2020 is ongoing.

A Post Office spokesman said: “In collaboration with postmasters, we are continuing to drive forward development and expand our pilots for the introduction of a new system fit for the future across our 11,500 branches.

“We are determined to get this right, and with such a large network, careful planning and extensive testing are of overriding importance ahead of full rollout.

“We’re also investing to ensure the successful operation of our existing technology, including extending commercial relationships with suppliers where required, as this will ensure postmasters and customers have continuity while we develop a new system.” Fujitsu was approached for comment.

The Cabinet Office declined to comment.