Sub-postmasters have formed an action group followingdisclosures in Computer Weeklyof unexplained
deficits in the Post Office accounting system.
Some sub-postmasters have lost their post offices, experienced
financial difficulty and faced prosecution after their accounting
system showed missing funds.
The sub-postmasters insisted they did not owe the money but
several faced bankruptcy or prison when they could not pay the
deficits the system said they owed.
The Post Office denies any IT-related fault could have caused
the system to show incorrect sums of money owed by some
postmasters.
A spokesman said, "Horizon is an extremely robust system which
operates over our entire Post Office network and successfully
records millions of transactions each day. There is no evidence
that points to any fault with the technology. We would always look
into and investigate any issues raised by sub-postmasters."
Computer Weekly spoke to seven sub-postmasters, each owing tens
of thousands of pounds. Journalists at
BBC
Wales subsequently spoke to 31 people with complaints.
A number of sub-postmasters are now hoping to form a group for
those who have experienced, or are experiencing, similar
problems.
Alan Bates, who worked at the post office in Llandudno in north
Wales from 1998 to 2003, said he hopes the group will be a focal
point for others to discuss their experiences, review past cases,
provide resources and help and move the discussion forward.
Bates is looking for other sub-postmasters to get in touch to
discuss what has happened to them if they have come across
anomalies which they cannot explain in their accounts. He says, "A
number of us are planning a weekend meeting, which you can attend
for just one day, to be held at a central geographical location.
Where we go from there is up to all to decide."
MP for Clwyd West, David Jones, said he is considering pressing
for a House of Commons debate on the issue.
"It seems very odd to me that so many people are complaining
about the same issue," he said. "I want to ascertain how widespread
this problem is, and get replies to questions. I may well seek a
debate on the issue."
If you would like to attend the sub-postmasters' meeting or get
in touch with Alan Bates, e-mail
rebecca.thomson@rbi.co.uk
for contact details.