The UK Department for Business and Trade has launched a review into the Post Office's ownership model, including the possibility of mutualization (handing ownership to staff), following the Horizon IT scandal. This 15-year review comes after the first part of a public inquiry into the scandal, which saw about 1,000 operators wrongly prosecuted due to faulty software. The government is also providing an additional £118m subsidy for restructuring.
Post Office could hand ownership to staff amid review after Horizon scandal
Post OfficePost Office Horizon scandalBusinessUK
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The UK Department for Business and Trade has launched a review into the Post Office's ownership model, including the possibility of mutualization (handing ownership to staff), following the Horizon IT scandal. This 15-year review comes after the first part of a public inquiry into the scandal, which saw about 1,000 operators wrongly prosecuted due to faulty software. The government is also providing an additional £118m subsidy for restructuring.
Trending- 1 1999-2015: Approximately 1,000 Post Office operators prosecuted due to faulty Horizon software.
- 2 Last year: ITV drama 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' airs, bringing scandal to national spotlight.
- 3 November (last year): Post Office announces closure of up to 115 branches and 2,000 job cuts.
- 4 Earlier this year: Royal Mail bought by EP Group.
- 5 Last week: First part of the two-year public inquiry into Horizon IT scandal published.
- 6 July 14, 2025: Department for Business and Trade publishes green paper, starting review of Post Office ownership.
- 7 July 14, 2025: Government announces £118m subsidy for Post Office restructuring.
- 8 October 6: Review period ends.
- 9 Up to June 2: Over £1bn paid in compensation to 7,300+ claimants.
- Potential change in Post Office ownership structure
- Ongoing restructuring and branch closures
- Continued compensation payouts for Horizon scandal victims
- Calls for reunification of Post Office and Royal Mail
What: The UK government is reviewing the Post Office's ownership model, including potential mutualization (staff ownership), in the wake of the Horizon IT scandal.
When: Published July 14, 2025; review runs until October 6; last week (first part of public inquiry published); 15 years (since last big review); 1999-2015 (prosecutions); last year (Mr Bates vs the Post Office aired); November (Post Office announced branch closures); earlier this year (Royal Mail bought).
Where: United Kingdom.
Why: To address the aftermath of the Horizon IT scandal, which exposed widespread miscarriages of justice, and to establish a 'fresh vision for the future' and a 'strong and sustainable future' for the Post Office.
How: The Department for Business and Trade published a green paper, initiating a review process that will consider various ownership models, including mutualization. The government is also providing a £118m subsidy.