Inquiry into Post Office Horizon scandal faces five-year delay without extra funding
The inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal may face a five-year delay due to insufficient funding and staffing. The police commander in charge has indicated that nearly 100 additional investigators are needed to meet the upcoming deadlines. The investigation is critical for addressing the wrongful prosecutions of over 900 post office operators linked to faulty accounting software.
- ▪The police inquiry requires a budget of £19.3 million, with a £16.5 million shortfall.
- ▪More than 900 post office operators were wrongfully prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 due to the Horizon software.
- ▪The investigation is unprecedented in size and aims to examine potential perjury and justice perversion.
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Campaigners celebrate a victory at the court of appeal in 2021. The earliest prosecutions in the case date back to 1999 and the deadline for submitting files to prosecutors is early 2028. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The GuardianView image in fullscreenCampaigners celebrate a victory at the court of appeal in 2021. The earliest prosecutions in the case date back to 1999 and the deadline for submitting files to prosecutors is early 2028. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The GuardianPost Office Horizon scandalInquiry into Post Office Horizon scandal faces five-year delay without extra fundingPolice officer in charge says budget could reach £19.3m and nearly 100 more investigators are neededAlex DanielTue 26 May 2026 15.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe police criminal inquiry into the Post…
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