One of the sub-postmasters who inspired an ITV drama about the Post Office IT scandal has used an award ceremony to criticise the government over the compensation scheme for those falsely accused. Jo Hamilton was one of a group of real sub-postmasters who joined the stars of Mr Bates vs the Post Office on stage as they picked up three prizes at the National Television Awards on Wednesday.
Addressing the audience at the O2 arena in London and viewers watching on ITV, Mrs Hamilton said she was disappointed by a lack of progress with payouts since Labour came to power. What I’d like you to know is I went to Westminster a couple of weeks back and saw the new minister,” she said. “And trust me, nothing has changed.
In response to her comments, ministers said they were working “tirelessly” on the compensation schemes for those affected.As boos rose from the celebrity crowd – aimed at those she was referring to in power – she added: “It’s true, and almost all of these people behind me haven’t been paid yet. Mrs Hamilton said more than 300 of the 555 workers who won a landmark civil case against the Post Office in 2019 had still not yet received full compensation, including campaign leader Sir Alan Bates.
She added: “They’ve offered him 30% of his claim. Sir Alan rejected the latest offer in May, saying the situation was “frustrating for myself, frustrating for everyone”.
The compensation scheme Mrs Hamilton referred to was launched by the previous Conservative government and offers a fixed payment of £75,000 – although many victims have turned that down and pushed for more.
As of 30 August, £87m has been paid under the scheme, including interim payments.
On 9 September, Labour announced a new scheme which has a target of making an offer to 90% of sub-postmasters who have submitted a full claim within 40 days. Mr Bates was not at Wednesday’s award ceremony. He married his partner Suzanne on Sir Richard Branson’s private island in the Caribbean last month. Mrs Hamilton told the ceremony: “He has a plan, so when he comes back to the nation for help, please be there to support him.
Source: BBC
In other news – Chancellor Rachel Reeves warns hard decisions ahead in Budget
But she said it was the “right decision” and there were further tough decisions to come. Her warning comes as new figures show the UK economy failed to grow in July, after flatlining in June.I’ve been really clear that the Budget on 30 October will require difficult decisions on tax, on spending, and on welfare,” she told the BBC.
“But the prize – if we can bring stability back to our economy, if we can bring investment back to Britain – is economic growth, good jobs, paying decent wages in all parts of our country, to realise the huge potential that we have. Read more
