"Post Office Slashes Disabled Horizon Victim's Compensation by 85%"

Disabled Post Office Horizon Victim Offered Meager Compensation, Sparking Concerns of Unfair Treatment A disabled woman who was wrongly convicted of accounting irregularities due to faulty Post Office software has been offered just 15% of her compensation claim, a fraction of what she sought. Janet Skinner's case is part of the ongoing Horizon IT scandal, which has left many victims financially and emotionally devastated. According to BBC Business, Skinner was temporarily paralyzed after suffering a neurological collapse in 2007 due to the stress of her ordeal. She was wrongly convicted of false accounting and sentenced to nine months in prison after the faulty software said £59,000 had gone missing from her branch account in Hull. The government has now made an offer of full financial redress, but it is significantly lower than what Skinner had claimed. Skinner's reaction to the offer was emotional, with the BBC reporting that she "cried and cried - it's trauma on top of trauma." The government claims to have made every effort to make full and fair offers to all claimants, according to a spokesperson. However, this latest development has sparked concerns that some claimants are being treated unfairly, with their cases being fought aggressively by the government. The Horizon IT scandal has been ongoing for years, with many victims suffering financial losses and emotional distress due to the faulty software. The Post Office has admitted to using the flawed system to prosecute hundreds of subpostmasters, leading to widespread criticism and calls for reform. According to BBC Business, some claimants are being offered as little as 10% of their compensation claims, raising questions about the fairness of the process. The government's handling of the Horizon IT scandal has been criticized by many, including MPs who have called for greater transparency and accountability. The latest development in Skinner's case is likely to fuel these concerns, with many questioning whether the government is doing enough to support victims of the scandal. In a statement, a spokesperson for the government said that they made every effort to make full and fair offers to all claimants. However, this offer has been met with skepticism by many, who point out that it is significantly lower than what Skinner had claimed. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the way that compensation claims are handled. The next steps in Skinner's case are unclear, but it is likely that she will continue to fight for a more substantial compensation package. The Horizon IT scandal remains a contentious issue, with many calling for reform and greater support for victims. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the government must do more to ensure that those affected by the scandal receive fair and adequate compensation. Background information on the Horizon IT scandal can be found in previous reports from BBC Business. The scandal has been ongoing since 2010, with many subpostmasters being wrongly accused of accounting irregularities due to the faulty software. In recent years, there have been numerous calls for reform and greater support for victims, but progress has been slow. In related news, a parliamentary inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal is currently underway, with MPs calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government. The inquiry is expected to report its findings in the coming months, which could lead to further action being taken to address the scandal. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the government must do more to support victims of the Horizon IT scandal and ensure that they receive fair and adequate compensation for their losses. This story was compiled from reports by BBC Business and BBC Business.