Broadcom updates VCF to address on-premise AI

Copyright TechTarget - All rights reserved ComputerWeekly’s best articles of the day https://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html Techtarget Feed Generator en Thu, 14 May 2026 01:05:37 GMT https://www.computerweekly.com editor@computerweekly.com Broadcom has unveiled the latest update to <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366630396/How-Metrobank-is-tapping-VMware-Cloud-Foundation">VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)</a>, which it says offers a secure and cost-effective infrastructure platform for production artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. Broadcom said VCF 9.1 delivers an AI and Kubernetes native private cloud platform with integrated security and mixed compute infrastructure support across AMD, Intel and Nvidia. The company is positioning VCF as the platform to run enterprise AI in private clouds. Half of organisations (56%) that responded to a recent Broadcom poll said they are running or planning to run production inferencing in a private cloud. “As more enterprises turn to AI for driving competitive advantage, they face three critical challenges: data and IP privacy concerns, surging infrastructure costs, and their readiness for the world of agentic AI,” said Krish Prasad, senior vice-president and general manager of the VMware Cloud Foundation division at Broadcom. “VCF 9.1 is a single unified platform that addresses all three and delivers one of the most advanced infrastructures for private AI. We enable zero-trust security for AI, reduce costs through intelligent infrastructure optimisation and hardware choice, and provide the flexibility to run both agentic workflows and accelerated inferencing on the same platform,” added Prasad. The Broadcom survey also found that 62% of IT leaders are “very” or “extremely” concerned about generative AI infrastructure costs, while 36% said AI is driving new requirements for data protection, privacy, security controls and risk management. The company, which has made significant <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366638927/Tesco-vs-VMware-Dell-weighs-in-on-VMware-contractual-obligation">changes to VMware licensing</a> since it acquired the company in 2022, claims the new version will help customers reduce their server hardware total cost of ownership by as much as 40%. Broadcom has come under scrutiny as a result of its strategy to move from <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchvmware/news/366617317/Broadcom-ATT-settle-lawsuit-over-VMware-support">perpetually licensed software to a VCF subscription bundle</a>, which has seen VMware costs increase dramatically for some customers. Tackling hardware cost is something that VMware server virtualisation has always been able to do, by reducing the need to deploy one physical server per enterprise application and thereby enabling organisations to consolidate their server estate, and Broadcom now appears to be pivoting to a position where it is now looking to demonstrate the value of the VCF subscription charge. The new version includes vSphere Topology-aware scheduling, which Broadcom said utilises chip-aware logic to optimise non-uniform memory architecture (NUMA) placement and reduce page-migration costs. What this means, according to Broadcom, is that with vSphere Topology-aware scheduling, even the most resource-intensive applications maintain peak responsiveness. Complementing this is Parallel Processing of DRS vMotion, which Broadcom said removes sequential bottlenecks during cluster balancing. It achieves this by allowing multiple migrations to occur simultaneously. “VMware Cloud Foundation 9.1 is engineered to address these market pressures: a private cloud platform designed to run production AI at the lowest cost per workload, under enterprise sovereignty, without compromising security or delivery velocity,” Sabina Anja, chief technologist for VMware Cloud Foundation at Broadcom, <a href="https://blogs.vmware.com/cloud-foundation/2026/05/05/vcf-9-1-secure-cost-effective-private-cloud-platform-for-production-ai/">wrote in a blog post</a>. Broadcom said vSphere in VCF 9.1 represents a fundamental shift in infrastructure economics. Along with maximising existing hardware through NVMe memory tiering, it also claims to lower operational overhead by supporting fast patching and elastic provisioning, eliminating performance bottlenecks through intelligent offloading, and maintaining continuous operations through live patching. Broadcom claims these enhancements enable organisations to transform infrastructure from a cost centre into a strategic advantage. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about VMware Cloud Foundation</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366631478/Should-you-run-VMware-7-unsupported">Should you run VMware 7</a> unsupported? In just a few weeks, VMware version 7 reaches end of life, which means Broadcom will no longer issue patches.</li> <li>New <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchitoperations/news/366630312/New-VMware-private-AI-infrastructure-rethinks-Tanzu-again">VMware private AI infrastructure</a> rethinks Tanzu, again: Broadcom’s VMware finally abandons a long effort to unify Kubernetes with Cloud Foundry as it battles cloud and virtualisation rivals on multiple fronts.</li> </ul> </div> </div> VMware is being repositioned as a platform to lower the total cost of hosting artificial intelligence workloads in private clouds https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/public-private-cloud-fotolia.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366642853/Broadcom-updates-VCF-to-address-on-premise-AI Wed, 06 May 2026 12:15:00 GMT Broadcom updates VCF to address on-premise AI In under a decade, chief sustainability officers (CSOs) have become key to synthesising cross-domain knowledge and technical mechanisms that drive organisational environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks – and <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366558956/Orange-Business-shifts-towards-digital-aims-to-transform-SD-WAN-with-VMware">Orange Business</a>’s Jérôme Goulard has been there throughout. Joining Orange’s B2B division sales team in 1995, Goulard’s roles included head of banking and insurance large accounts, head of the IT services business unit and vice-president of B2B customer experience. Ultimately, he became CSO “a bit more than” five years ago, adding: “I used to be on sales, proposing services. Now I see the impacts of what we propose from another angle.” Goulard currently heads up the Orange Business approach to sustainable IT, liaising with teams across sales, operations, human resources (HR) and sourcing. The role appealed for its ability to give him a new perspective on the business, he says. Goulard’s global view of all job lines means he has been able to lead changes in hardware lifecycle management, reducing carbon impacts by scaling up use of <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366551316/Kent-Digital-tackles-digital-divide-with-refurbished-laptops">refurbished</a> network kit from routers to switches and Wi-Fi terminals. In 2023 alone, 50,000 out of 130,000 units deployed were refurbished, saving the company €15m (£13m) in capital expenditure. The questions that keep Goulard up at night these days are less about how to drive sales that contribute to the bottom line and more about how he can help the company design its offers to customers in a different way. Post-Paris 2024, Goulard has been overseeing the redeployment of IT equipment used at Olympics events. So far, around 90% of the Wi-Fi terminals and 78% of network switches have been moved to La Poste locations across France, preventing thousands of devices from becoming e-waste as well as supporting the national post service’s network modernisation efforts. “The initial commitment was to reduce by 50% the impact per customer. At that time, and we are still in that trend, we know that digital services are growing – the current trend being generative AI [GenAI],” Goulard says. “Therefore we wanted to measure it per customer. Around 2010, we began to launch our Green IT&Networks [ITN] programme about all the infrastructure, equipment and networks we use.” In 2024, the <a href="https://www.orange.com/en/commitments/to-the-environment/net-zero-carbon-by-2040">Green ITN programme saved</a> 1,358 GWh of electricity and 127 million litres of fuel oil. <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Strategy builds on results"> <h2 class="section-title">Strategy builds on results</h2> Strategy has evolved in the past five years or so with Goulard at the helm. Sustainability is now a “major pillar” of Orange Business’s strategic <a href="https://newsroom.orange.com/lead-the-future-orange-presents-its-new-strategic-plan-which-aims-to-generate-value-from-the-recognized-excellence-of-its-core-business-and-to-grow-sustainably-in-europe-africa-and-the-middle-east-or/">Lead the Future</a> plan, including updated milestone commitments for 2025, 2030 and 2040 reductions in Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Latest figures suggest their targets are within reach, he says, putting Orange Business firmly on track for 2030’s goal of <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/sustainability/feature/Scope-1-2-and-3-emissions-Differences-with-examples">Scopes 1, 2 and 3</a> of -45% versus 2020, with net zero a “final milestone” in <a href="https://www.orange.com/en/commitments/to-the-environment/net-zero-carbon-by-2040">2040</a>. “We will reduce <a href="https://www.orange.com/en/commitments/to-the-environment/net-zero-carbon-by-2040">Scopes 1 and 2 by 30% in 2025 when compared to 2015, and Scope 3 by 14% compared to 2018</a>,” Goulard says, noting that five years ago the key ESG topics comprised just 20 PowerPoint slides. Orange has also pledged to increase European recycling of mobile devices in Europe to over 30% by end 2025. Goulard agrees that AI is one of the major sustainability challenges. He has been supporting Orange partner Mistral AI in its quest for transparency to deliver the data needed to manage impacts, then applying similar thinking to Orange Business’ <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616555/Orange-Business-upgrades-Live-GenAI-network-offering">Live Intelligence</a> product. The idea is that customers can see the carbon impacts of their usage. The principle is to encourage the choice of lower-impact approaches wherever possible. In Goulard’s case, he focuses most on environmental aspects, with the HR team taking on more of the “social” in its ESG targets. And that has been “quite exciting”, he says, adding: “Sustainability was more of a cherry on the cake, rather than embedded in our activities, processes and products. I really had to create a whole ecosystem, internally and externally.” <blockquote> <div class="imagecaption alignLeft"> <img src="https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/computerweekly/Jerome-Goulard-OrangeBusiness-PR-140px.jpg" alt="Headshot of Jerome Goulard"> </div> “Sustainability was more of a cherry on the cake ... I had to create a whole ecosystem, internally and externally” Jérôme Goulard, Orange Business </blockquote> Of course, sustainability isn’t just about marketing, sales and sourcing. However, increasingly, sustainability entails close work with financial teams, customers, suppliers and all the various job lines. Managing financial and extra-financial topics together can be key to multiple business objectives. Deloitte has described the CSO role as being a “<a href="https://www.deloitte.com/an/en/Industries/financial-services/perspectives/the-future-of-the-chief-sustainability-officer.html">chief sense-maker</a>” – making sense and connections out of myriad sources of truth and requirements. “Indeed, that’s what I do today,” Goulard says. “In the past, I had people saying they like sustainability because they like nature, trees and so on. Rather, what we actually have to do is mobilise the impact of our services.” For Goulard, that includes working with suppliers to get data, then organising and structuring that to define trajectories and their levers. He concentrates on identifying services that affect sustainability and how to reduce their environmental impact. That has meant developing multiple tools for interacting with the entirety of information in Orange Business databases and working out how to share key data in a structured way. Transparency, one of the major obstacles to efficiency and savings across supply chains, is being realised now after years of work. “And we see it more in the requests from our customers. They give us some Excel files, information that they would like to collect on what we do, and we do the same with our suppliers,” he says. “So, we are beginning to optimise a bit of this information, so that we can mobilise the whole activity.” </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Understanding data is essential"> <h2 class="section-title">Understanding data is essential</h2> Additionally, Goulard believes that everything done in sustainability should be public information, from methodologies to data. Data formats must be defined so they enable supplier and customer interactions that are mutually beneficial because sustainability is ultimately about ecosystems, he points out. “We have also begun to create a consulting practice around data and managing ESG. We just had our first launch customer that is working with us on that topic,” he says. “We are working with their factories to get all the information and to organise it in software.” Goulard is also involved in the <a href="https://www.orange.com/en/commitments/to-the-environment/how-orange-ensures-suppliers-contribute-our-net-zero-carbon-goal">Orange partners to net-zero</a> programme, which is about formalising progress plans with suppliers, and is the first such Orange group programme to include large suppliers. For example, there’s a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for decarbonisation of common services to its customers <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571772/MWC-2024-Orange-Business-Cisco-team-to-achieve-net-zero-goals">with Cisco</a>, which is about identifying “key levers” where the companies can work together. “Again, it’s about data, and Cisco will be our first partner to have an application programming interface [API] connected directly to the software that we are implementing to manage carbon trajectories and modernisation of our services,” says Goulard. “Before, I tended to see sustainability fragmented into carbon, energy, water, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366567456/Tenaka-teams-with-Orange-Business-to-scale-coral-reef-restoration">biodiversity</a> and waste. But working as CSO, I now see sustainability as systemic, deeply tied to issues like digital inclusion, responsible innovation, ethics in AI, and social and societal impacts.” In addition, Goulard works with the Orange innovation and R&D team on eco-design. Again, that’s about measuring what you do and working out how to reduce it, modernising customer and partner proposals. One result has been improvements to nickel designs for private mobile network solutions. “We have launched a practice and I have my team working on eco-design of our services. How do we measure the impact, identify the key components, and what we could do in the infrastructure, equipment and services to reduce the carbon impact?” Goulard says. Most countries understand that sustainability may be key if they are to remain competitive in the mid-term, even if not directly. Many companies in Asia as well as Europe are working to reduce their impact or developing adaptation plans. Today, many accept that climate change is happening as shown by impacts on activities, infrastructures, floods, extreme heat and so on, Goulard points out. He strongly believes that sustainability should cross all teams, activities and services, and says he is most proud of his “transversal team, the Green Act Leaders” representing all entities and job roles of Orange Business. </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Drawing many threads together"> <h2 class="section-title">Drawing many threads together</h2> The cross-division, broad-perspective approach has been crucial in driving efficiencies and new operational models as well as savings – for instance, when it comes to sourcing. It adds up to real results, including an enriched relationship with customers, providers and partners, as well as employee engagement, Goulard says. He is proud that Orange was rated 84 out of 100 by <a href="https://ecovadis.com/enterprise/">EcoVadis</a>, a France-based sustainable-procurement platform and ratings provider, in 2025, including 100 out of 100 for environmental aspects, adding: “Globally, we see that there are ’some geopolitics’ in ‘communication’ that suggest there’s a <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-way-ahead-Getting-IT-sustainability-initiatives-back-on-track-to-net-zero">backlash [against net zero]</a>. But there are still a lot of companies working on sustainability, and I see that in the requests from our customers. We still see a lot of information requested on that topic.” Unsurprisingly, a CSO having access to the Orange board of directors can be crucial. Goulard confirms that sustainability is now a board-level topic at Orange, not a side conversation as it has sometimes been seen in years past. He works directly with the board to ensure sustainability goals align with business strategy, services portfolio, operations and risk management. “Having that seat at the table means we can embed sustainability into the company’s long-term vision for net-zero and supporting clients on their own ESG journeys,” says Goulard. “This is also about preparing for the future – for instance, through our climate risk adaptation plan, rare resources planning in our sourcing and development of innovative solutions.” It remains a difficult task to develop sustainability initiatives that can touch on everything from <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366630429/Open-source-security-and-sustainability-remain-unsolved-problem">security</a> to employee relations. Focus on short-term benefits and short-term activities can come naturally to many organisations as a matter of survival. It can also become habitual, but that’s why the challenge satisfies. Further, what Goulard sees in France and around Europe is that there is interest in more long-term thinking. Specifically, most companies continue to maintain their commitments, activities and requests for information on how to work together on reducing environmental impacts, including at the international level, he says. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more views from the C-suite on IT sustainability</h3> <ul style="list-style-type: square;" class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/IT-Sustainability-Think-Tank-Environmental-trends-to-redefine-IT-strategies-in-2025">Sustainability has shifted from a buzzword to a business imperative</a>. It is no longer just a tick-box exercise – it is now a central pillar shaping the future of enterprise strategy, according to Gartner.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/IT-Sustainability-Think-Tank-The-10-energy-risks-enterprises-must-prepare-for-now">As the global transition towards developing low-carbon economies continues apace</a>, Gartner shares its take on the actions enterprises must take now to navigate an increasingly volatile energy landscape.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/IT-Sustainability-Think-Tank-How-IT-directors-can-spot-false-green-claims-from-Big-Tech-suppliers">In an era where nearly every tech supplier touts green credentials</a>, IT directors face the challenging task of separating genuine sustainability commitments from marketing spin. But how?</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> Interdisciplinary work across multiple teams and initiatives can pose a challenge when it comes to satisfying customers as well as business objectives, finds Jérôme Goulard of Orange Business https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/IT-sustainability-interviews-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Interview-Orange-Businesss-Jerome-Goulard-on-making-telecoms-greener-and-cleaner Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:50:00 GMT Interview: Orange Business’s Jérôme Goulard on making telecoms greener and cleaner Subpostmasters lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in business through lost sales and costs when <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627820/Fujitsu-outage-crashes-Post-Office-Horizon-system">Fujitsu’s datacentre outage</a> cut them off from the software that runs their businesses. The collapse of the Horizon system on 17 July will also cause an inevitable increase in lost transactions and create accounting shortfalls – something subpostmasters had to cover, or face potential prosecution over, in the past. While Post Office branches are small businesses, collectively they are a huge organisation relying on the same IT system called Horizon, which is at the centre of the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-explained-everything-you-need-to-know?_gl=1*xp43e9*_ga*Nzg3MzQ4Njc1LjE3MDc4MTY3Njg.*_ga_TQKE4GS5P9*MTczMzUwMzEwMS4zMC4xLjE3MzM1MDM3NzMuMC4wLjA.">Post Office scandal</a>. As Computer Weekly revealed last week, the Fujitsu outage meant Horizon was not available for hours, meaning the entire network of around 11,500 Post Office branches were unable to run their businesses. During the downtime, customers walked out without making or completing purchases, potentially going elsewhere, while partner firms such as Amazon, DPD and Evri may have looked at other options to leave deliveries. Subpostmasters also had to pay staff who were unable to work. If, for example, during the two-hour outage every branch lost £200 in costs and lost business, that is £2.3m in total. The sizes of branches differ greatly through the network and some larger, busier branches would have lost more significant sums. Subpostmasters are calling for compensation and answers from the Post Office. Subpostmasters have also raised concerns of further potential problems, claiming that Fujitsu – which is <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616872/Post-Office-Fujitsu-contract-extended-by-a-year-as-decision-time-looms">on its way out of the Post Office contract</a> after a quarter of a century – might not be fully committed. <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Who covers losses?"> <h2 class="section-title">Who covers losses?</h2> Richard Trinder, subpostmaster of three branches in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, and member of the Voice of the Subpostmasters campaign group, said that he lost hundreds of pounds in wages during the downtime. He asked: “Will the Post Office and Fujitsu compensate us for this?” He also said business is lost when partners and customers go elsewhere. “For example, if you are offering Amazon delivery collection and you are down, they will go elsewhere and might never come back.” Mark Baker, a former subpostmaster and current CWU postmaster representative, added: “Will customers who are cut off when in the Post Office ever come back? They will probably use a different branch, which means the individual subpostmaster has lost business.” Regarding customers leaving a branch when an outage hits, Calum Greenhow, CEO at the National Federation of Subpostmasters (NFSP), said: “The Post Office always says, ‘These customers will come back’, but this is not the case because we no longer have a monopoly on many of the products. “We know there is a service-level agreement where the Post Office pays Fujitsu for extra work when required, but we would like to know if there is one where Fujitsu has to pay for Horizon outages,” he added. Greenhow said the NFSP has asked the Post Office whether compensation will be given to subpostmasters for loss of earnings and was told the Post Office would investigate it. There is no service-level agreement between the Post Office and subpostmasters in relation to Horizon availability. </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Lost in transaction"> <h2 class="section-title">Lost in transaction</h2> Baker at the CWU raised fears over an expected increase in lost transactions and unexplained losses caused during the outage: “The big problem is if the system is cut off while a transaction is in transit, or in the subpostmaster's stack, it might not be recovered.” He added that a transaction could also be lost because it’s in a queue at the datacentre. The Post Office scandal, widely recognised as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history, was triggered by subpostmasters being blamed for unexplained accounting shortfalls. “We are going through a very dangerous period until a new system and support is brought in,” warned Baker. He added that the Post Office needs to look at the entire architecture when replacing Horizon. “It needs to look at the front end, back end and all the bits in between. They also need to look at the robustness of the support mechanisms when there is an outage.” Computer Weekly asked the Post Office whether it would compensate subpostmasters for losses incurred during the latest outage but had not received a response by the time this article was published. Computer Weekly also asked whether the Post Office would take any additional measures during the next accounting period to ensure that unexplained losses caused by transaction failures during the outage are identified. It has not yet responded. The Post Office did not confirm whether Fujitsu will face any financial penalties because of the outage and Fujitsu has not confirmed whether it has identified the cause of the outage. Specialist investigation firm Kroll is currently <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621280/Kroll-reviewing-Post-Office-Horizons-current-integrity-and-discrepancy-identification">reviewing the integrity of current Horizon system</a> data and the processes used to identify discrepancies. The investigation followed a report by the Post Office scandal public inquiry, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611555/Post-Office-system-still-causing-unexplained-Horizon-shortfalls-for-half-of-subpostmasters">published in September 2024</a>, which raised concerns about the current version of the controversial system. Computer Weekly asked the Post Office whether Kroll will include the latest incident as part of its review of the Horizon system, but it did not answer. The Post Office scandal was <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240089230/Bankruptcy-prosecution-and-disrupted-livelihoods-Postmasters-tell-their-story">first exposed by Computer Weekly in 2009</a>, revealing the stories of seven subpostmasters and the problems they suffered due to Horizon accounting software, which led to the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British history (see below timeline of Computer Weekly articles about the scandal since 2009). <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Timeline: Computer Weekly articles about the scandal since 2009</h3> <ul type="square" class="default-list"> <li>May 2009: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240089230/Bankruptcy-prosecution-and-disrupted-livelihoods-Postmasters-tell-their-story">Bankruptcy, prosecution and disrupted livelihoods – postmasters tell their story</a>.</li> <li>September 2009: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/1280090846/Post-masters-form-action-group-after-accounts-shortfall">Post-masters form action group after accounts shortfall</a>.</li> <li>November 2009: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/1280091449/Post-Office-theft-case-deferred-over-IT-questions">Post Office theft case deferred over IT questions</a>.</li> <li>May 2010: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/1280092879/Royal-Mail-postpones-Horizon-roll-out-after-outages">A pilot of the new Horizon Online system at Royal Mail has been scaled back after connectivity problems and outages</a>.</li> <li>February 2011: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/1280095088/Post-Office-faces-legal-action-over-alleged-accounting-system-failures">Post Office faces legal action over alleged accounting system failures</a>.</li> <li>October 2011: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240105787/85-sub-postmasters-seek-legal-support-in-claims-against-Post-Office-computer-system">85 subpostmasters seek legal support in claims against Post Office computer system</a>.</li> <li>June 2012: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240158501/Post-Office-launches-external-review-of-system-at-centre-of-legal-disputes">Post Office launches external review of system at centre of legal disputes</a>.</li> <li>January 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240175402/Post-Office-admits-that-Horizon-system-needs-more-investigation">Post Office admits Horizon system needs more investigation</a>.</li> <li>January 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240175994/Post-Office-calls-for-amnesty-for-Horizon-evidence">Post Office announces amnesty for Horizon evidence</a>.</li> <li>January 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240176122/Post-Office-wants-to-get-to-bottom-of-IT-system-allegations">Post Office wants to get to bottom of IT system allegations</a>.</li> <li>June 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240186334/Investigation-into-Post-Office-accounting-system-to-drill-down-on-strongest-cases">Investigation into Post Office accounting system to drill down on strongest cases</a>.</li> <li>July 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240187566/Post-Office-Horizon-system-investigation-reveals-concerns">Post Office Horizon system investigation reveals concerns</a>.</li> <li>October 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240207934/End-in-sight-for-sub-postmaster-claims-against-Post-Offices-Horizon-accounting-system">End in sight for subpostmaster claims against Post Office’s Horizon accounting system</a>.</li> <li>October 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240208118/Former-Lord-Justice-of-Appeal-Anthony-Hooper-joins-Post-Office-Horizon-investigation">Former Lord Justice of Appeal Hooper joins Post Office Horizon investigation</a>.</li> <li>November 2013: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240209819/150-subpostmasters-make-claims-to-Horizon-accounting-system-investigation">150 subpostmasters file claims over “faulty” Horizon accounting system</a>.</li> <li>September 2014: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240230333/Fresh-questions-raised-over-Post-Office-IT-systems-role-in-fraud-cases">Fresh questions raised over Post Office IT system’s role in fraud cases</a>.</li> <li>December 2014: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240236243/MPs-blast-Post-Office-over-IT-system-investigation-and-remove-backing">MPs blast Post Office over IT system investigation and remove backing</a>.</li> <li>December 2014: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240236291/Why-MPs-lost-faith-in-the-Post-Offices-IT-investigation-but-vowed-to-fight-on">Why MPs lost faith in the Post Office’s IT investigation, but vowed to fight on</a>.</li> <li>December 2014: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240236777/Debate-over-Post-Office-IT-system-to-be-held-in-Westminister">MPs to debate subpostmaster IT injustice claims</a>.</li> <li>December 2014: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240236938/MP-accuses-Post-Office-of-acting-duplicitously-in-IT-investigation">MP accuses Post Office of acting ‘duplicitously’ in IT investigation</a>.</li> <li>January 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240238523/MPs-force-inquiry-into-Post-Office-subpostmaster-mediation-scheme">MPs force inquiry into Post Office subpostmaster mediation scheme</a>.</li> <li>January 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240239009/Post-Offices-faces-grilling-by-MPs-over-Horizon-accounting-system">Post Office faces grilling by MPs over Horizon accounting system</a>.</li> <li>February 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240239385/Post-Office-CIO-would-talk-to-any-subpostmaster-about-IT-problems-promises-CEO">Post Office CIO will talk to any subpostmaster about IT problems, promises CEO</a>.</li> <li>March 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240242064/Post-Office-ends-IT-system-investigation-day-before-potentially-damning-report">Post Office ends working group for IT system investigation day before potentially damaging report</a>.</li> <li>March 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500242929/MPs-seeks-reassurance-over-Post-Office-mediation-scheme">MPs seek reassurance over Post Office mediation scheme</a>.</li> <li>March 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500243220/Retiring-MP-aims-to-uncover-truth-of-alleged-Post-Office-computer-system-problems">Retiring MP aims to uncover truth of alleged Post Office computer system problems</a>.</li> <li>April 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500244656/Post-Office-failed-to-investigate-account-shortfalls-before-legal-action-report-claims">Post Office failed to investigate account shortfalls before legal action, report claims</a>.</li> <li>April 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500245279/Criminal-Courts-Review-Commission-set-to-review-subpostmasters-claims-of-wrongful-prosecution">Criminal Courts Review Commission set to review subpostmasters’ claims of wrongful prosecution</a>.</li> <li>June 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500249009/Post-Office-looking-to-replace-controversial-Horizon-system-says-MP">Post Office looking to replace controversial Horizon system with IBM, says MP</a>.</li> <li>July 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500249393/Campaigners-call-for-independent-inquiry-into-Post-Office-Horizon-IT-system-dispute">Campaigners call for independent inquiry into Post Office Horizon IT system dispute</a>.</li> <li>October 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500255862/James-Arbuthnot-takes-Post-Office-IT-fight-to-House-of-Lords">James Arbuthnot takes Post Office IT fight to House of Lords</a>.</li> <li>November 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500256860/Communication-Workers-Union-warns-subpostmasters-of-flaw-in-Post-Office-Horizon-accounting-system">The union that represents Post Office subpostmasters has warned of a problem with the Horizon accounting system</a>.</li> <li>November 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500257572/Post-Office-IT-support-email-reveals-known-Horizon-flaw">Post Office IT support email reveals known Horizon flaw</a></li> <li>November 2015: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500257720/Group-litigation-against-Post-Office-being-prepared-in-Horizon-dispute">Group litigation against Post Office being prepared in Horizon dispute</a>.</li> <li>February 2016: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500272635/Post-Office-faces-group-litigation-as-subpostmasters-fund-class-action">Post Office faces group litigation over Horizon IT as subpostmasters fund class action</a>.</li> <li>June 2016: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450297820/Considerable-risk-if-Post-Office-replaced-Horizon-system-says-chairman">Post Office chairman Tim Parker says there would be “considerable risk” associated with changing its Horizon computer system</a>.</li> <li>November 2016: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450403690/Group-litigation-against-Post-Office-in-Horizon-system-dispute-prepares-for-next-stage">The legal team hired by a group of subpostmasters will take their case to the next stage</a>.</li> <li>January 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450411786/Game-on-for-group-litigation-against-Post-Office-after-watershed-decision">The group action against the Post Office that alleges subpostmasters have been wrongly punished for accounting errors gets green light from the High Court of Justice</a>.</li> <li>March 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450415674/1000-sub-postmasters-apply-to-join-IT-related-group-litigation-against-Post-Office">1,000 subpostmasters apply to join IT-related group litigation against Post Office</a>.</li> <li>April 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450417356/Criminal-Courts-Review-Commission-appoints-forensic-accountants-for-Post-Office-IT-system-cases">Investigation into claims of miscarriages of justice in relation to a Post Office accounting system has appointed a forensic accountant firm</a>.</li> <li>May 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450419861/Hundreds-of-sub-postmasters-have-applied-to-join-IT-related-legal-action-since-March">Hundreds of subpostmasters have applied to join IT-related legal action since March</a>.</li> <li>July 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450419861/Hundreds-of-sub-postmasters-have-applied-to-join-IT-related-legal-action-since-March">Post Office defence in computer system legal case due this week</a>.</li> <li>August 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450423858/Subpostmasters-allege-bullying-and-intimidation-by-Post-Office-over-Horizon-IT-system">Campaigners submit initial evidence in group litigation against Post Office over controversial Horizon IT system</a>.</li> <li>October 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450428525/Post-Office-computer-system-legal-case-reaches-important-procedural-juncture">Subpostmasters’ group action against the Post Office reaches an important milestone</a>.</li> <li>November 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450429076/Court-dates-set-for-Post-Office-accounting-system-trials">An end is in sight for subpostmasters’ campaign against alleged wrongful prosecution, which they blame on a faulty computer system</a>.</li> <li>November 2017: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450430183/Post-Office-court-case-judge-issues-warning-to-legal-teams">High Court judge in subpostmasters versus Post Office case over an faulty system tells legal teams to cooperate</a>.</li> <li>January 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252433741/Forensic-investigation-into-Post-Office-IT-system-at-centre-of-legal-case-nears-completion">Forensic investigation into Post Office IT system at centre of legal case nears completion</a>.</li> <li>April 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252439796/Criminal-Courts-Review-Commission-findings-in-Post-Office-computer-case-raise-further-enquiries">Criminal Cases Review Commission  examination of Post office IT system has raised further questions</a>.</li> <li>May 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252440879/Connectivity-problem-hits-thousands-of-Post-Office-branches">Post Office branches unable to connect to Horizon computer system for several hours after morning opening time</a>.</li> <li>October 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252451492/Why-subpostmasters-and-Post-Office-are-battling-it-out-in-the-High-Court">After over a decade of controversy, next week marks the beginning of a court battle between subpostmasters and the Post Office</a>.</li> <li>November 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252452254/High-court-Post-Office-trial-puts-subpostmasters-contract-under-microscope">Case against Post Office in relation to allegedly faulty computer system begins in High Court</a>.</li> <li>November 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252452444/Post-Office-trial-throws-up-more-known-computer-problems">High Court case in which subpostmasters are suing the Post Office has revealed a known problem with a computer system</a>.</li> <li>November 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252452694/Post-Office-executives-cross-examined-in-Horizon-IT-system-trial">A High Court trial, where subpostmasters are suing the Post Office for damages caused by an allegedly faulty IT system, ends second week</a>.</li> <li>November 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252452957/Post-Office-held-back-information-about-Horizon-IT-system-errors">Post Office director admits to Horizon errors and not sharing details with subpostmaster network</a>.</li> <li>November 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252453243/High-Court-trial-over-Horizon-computer-system-completes-witness-cross-examinations">The High Court trial in which subpostmasters are suing the Post Office has reached an important stage</a>.</li> <li>December 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252453546/CCRC-may-hold-off-subpostmaster-decision-until-after-Post-Office-Horizon-trial">CCRC may hold off subpostmaster decision until after Post Office Horizon trial</a>.</li> <li>December 2018: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252454055/Complex-Post-Office-Horizon-case-set-to-continue-into-2020">Court case where subpostmasters are suing the Post Office set to span at least four trials and extend into 2020</a>.</li> <li>January 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252455126/Subpostmasters-suing-Post-Office-over-IT-failures-stunned-by-CEOs-honour">Subpostmasters’ campaign group attacks Post Office CEO Paula Vennells’ New Year honour amid ongoing court case</a>.</li> <li>January 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252455877/Thousands-of-known-errors-on-controversial-Post-Office-computer-system-to-be-revealed">Thousands of known errors on controversial Post Office computer system to be revealed</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252458999/Tech-under-spotlight-at-High-Court-in-second-subpostmasters-versus-Post-Office-trial">Tech under spotlight at High Court in second subpostmasters versus Post Office trial</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252459274/Post-Office-considered-Horizon-IT-system-as-high-risk-court-told">Post Office considered Horizon IT system “high-risk”, court told</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252459857/CCRC-watching-Post-Office-Horizon-trial-closely">CCRC watching Post Office Horizon trial closely</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252459564/Subpostmasters-achieve-stunning-victory-against-Post-Office-in-Horizon-case">Judge rules that Post Office showed “oppressive behaviour” in response to claimants accused of accounting errors they blamed on Horizon IT system</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252459863/Post-Office-lacked-humanity-in-the-treatment-of-subpostmasters-says-peer">Post Office “lacked humanity” in the treatment of subpostmasters, says peer</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252459670/Post-Office-director-cross-examination-confirms-lack-of-investigation-into-branch-IT-problems">A High Court judge heard that the Post Office did not investigate a computer system error that could cause losses, despite being offered evidence</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252459996/Horizon-IT-system-trial-suspended-after-Post-Office-accuses-judge-of-bias">The Post Office legal team in the case brought by more than 500 subpostmasters has called for the judge to be recused after questioning his impartiality</a>.</li> <li>March 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252460542/Post-Office-made-to-repay-public-money-it-allocated-to-fund-Horizon-litigation">A senior civil servant asked the Post Office to repay public money it had wrongly allocated to paying legal costs</a>.</li> <li>April 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252460815/Post-Office-could-face-huge-costs-bill-for-first-Horizon-trial">Subpostmaster claimants’ legal team makes application for the Post Office to pay millions of pounds of costs associated with trial</a>.</li> <li>April 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252461096/Post-Office-to-appeal-judgment-from-first-Horizon-trial">Post Office to appeal judgment from first Horizon trial</a>.</li> <li>April 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252461348/Judge-in-Post-Office-trial-rejects-application-to-recuse-himself">The Post Office’s claim that the judge overseeing the case concerning its controversial Horizon IT system was biased has been dismissed</a>.</li> <li>April 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252461728/MP-questions-government-over-Post-Office-Horizon-case">MP questions government over Post Office Horizon case</a>.</li> <li>April 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252461829/Government-says-no-conflict-of-interest-in-Post-Office-trial-due-to-chairmans-dual-role">Government says no conflict of interest in trial despite Post Office chairman’s dual role</a>.</li> <li>May 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252463196/Court-of-Appeal-rejects-a-Post-Office-request-in-Horizon-IT-case">The Court of Appeal has refused the Post Office’s application to appeal a major decision in the Horizon IT trial</a>.</li> <li>May 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252463625/Post-Office-applies-to-appeal-damning-judgment-in-first-Horizon-trial">The Post Office has applied for permission to appeal judgments from the first trial in its IT-related legal battle with subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>May 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252463938/Post-Office-told-to-pay-over-5m-of-its-opponents-costs-for-first-Horizon-trial">The judge in the Post Office Horizon trial has ordered the organisation to pay the legal costs, and refused to give permission to appeal a major judgment</a>.</li> <li>June 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252465193/Post-Office-asks-Court-of-Appeal-for-permission-to-appeal-judgment-in-first-Horizon-trial">Post Office asks Court of Appeal for permission to appeal judgment in first Horizon trial</a>.</li> <li>July 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252466111/Post-Office-back-office-error-leaves-subpostmaster-with-thousands-of-pounds-extra">Post Office back-office error leaves subpostmaster with thousands of pounds extra</a></li> <li>July 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252466406/Post-Office-fixes-technical-problem-causing-accounting-errors-in-Horizon">Post Office fixes technical problem causing accounting errors in Horizon</a></li> <li>August 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252468199/Hundreds-of-Post-Office-branches-hit-by-new-Horizon-problem">Subpostmasters suffering slow running and frozen terminals while Post Office searches for a fix to issues apparently caused by a software update</a>.</li> <li>August 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252468689/Latest-Post-Office-Horizon-problems-caused-by-software-update">The Post Office has fixed the latest problems with its Horizon system, affecting hundreds of branches</a>. </li> <li>October 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252473026/Post-Office-IT-trial-judgement-within-days">A High Court judgment for a trial that focused on the Post Office’s IT system at the centre of a multimillion-pound litigation will be announced early next month</a>.</li> <li>November 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252474416/Court-of-Appeal-dismisses-Post-Office-application-to-appeal-damning-judgment">The Court of Appeal has rejected a Post Office application to appeal judgments made in its multimillion-pound battle with subpostmasters over IT system failures</a>.</li> <li>November 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252474583/Peer-suggests-clear-out-of-Post-Office-board-after-Court-of-Appeal-confirms-major-defeat-in-court">Peer calls for clear-out of Post Office board after Court of Appeal confirms major court defeat</a>.</li> <li>December 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252475310/Post-Office-settles-legal-dispute-with-subpostmasters-ending-20-year-battle-for-lead-claimant">The Post Office has settled its long-running legal dispute with subpostmasters, and will pay £57.75m in damages</a>.</li> <li>December 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252475442/Subpostmasters-got-the-best-deal-possible-in-legal-battle-with-the-Post%20Office-says-lawyer">Subpostmasters ended their legal battle with the Post Office at the optimal time, according to the lawyer that managed the High Court action</a>.</li> <li>December 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252475611/Subpostmasters-proved-right-on-IT-system-failures-as-calls-for-full-public-inquiry-mount">Subpostmasters proved right on IT system failures as calls for full public inquiry mount</a>.</li> <li>December 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252475773/Criminal-Courts-Review-Commission-to-review-Horizon-judgment-swiftly">Criminal Courts Review Commission to review Horizon judgment “swiftly”</a>.</li> <li>December 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252475841/National-Federation-of-Subpostmasters-cries-foul-after-court-ruling">National Federation of Subpostmasters cries foul after court ruling on controversial computer system</a>.</li> <li>December 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252475989/Former-Post-Office-CEO-apologises-to-subpostmasters-over-Horizon-scandal">Former Post Office CEO apologises to subpostmasters over Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>December 2019: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252476160/Call-for-former-Post-Office-CEO-to-step-down-from-public-roles-after-IT-court-battle-lost">Call for former Post Office CEO to step down from public roles after IT court battle lost</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252476403/Fujitsu-must-face-scrutiny-following-Post-Office-Horizon-trial-judgment">Fujitsu must face scrutiny following Post Office Horizon trial judgment</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252476569/Subpostmaster-group-calls-for-government-to-pay-legal-costs-for-Horizon-trial">Subpostmaster group calls for government to pay legal costs for Horizon trial</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252476622/Why-subpostmasters-are-calling-on-the-government-to-pay-Horizon-trial-costs">Why subpostmasters are calling on the government to pay Horizon trial costs</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252476768/Government-distances-itself-from-Post-Office-decisions-in-Horizon-IT-litigation">Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy says it did not make decisions in the Post Office’s recent court battle</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252477142/Government-should-not-be-allowed-to-dismiss-subpostmasters-claims-over-Horizon-IT-scandal">Government should not be allowed to dismiss subpostmasters’ claims over Horizon IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252477368/Police-sent-information-about-potential-Fujitsu-staff-perjury-in-subpostmaster-prosecutions">Police sent information about potential Fujitsu staff perjury in subpostmaster prosecutions</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252477433/Subpostmaster-prosecutions-move-closer-to-appeal">Prosecutions are a significant step closer to being sent to the Court of Appeal as Criminal Courts Review Commission forms a group of commissioners to review them</a>.</li> <li>January 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Alan-Bates-The-details-man-the-Post-Office-paid-the-price-for-ignoring">Alan Bates: The “details man” the Post Office paid the price for ignoring</a>.</li> <li>February 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252477786/Government-refuses-request-to-pay-legal-costs-for-subpostmasters-in-Post-Office-case">The government has refused to pay the huge legal costs subpostmasters incurred in their battle with the government-owned Post Office, which they won</a>.</li> <li>February 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252478402/Pressure-for-public-inquiry-into-Post-Office-IT-system-scandal-begins-with-mountain-to-climb">Members of Parliament seeking a public inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal face huge challenges, but pressure and time could force justice</a>.</li> <li>February 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252478549/Calls-for-inquiry-into-Post-Office-IT-scandal-increase-in-Parliament-with-cross-party-support">Calls for inquiry into Post Office IT scandal increase in Parliament, with cross-party support</a>.</li> <li>February 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252478694/Concerns-raised-over-former-Post-Office-CEOs-appointment-at-NHS-trust-under-review">Care Quality Commission to review concerns over Paula Vennells’ appointment after they were raised by a former NHS consultant psychiatrist</a>.</li> <li>February 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252479087/Government-admits-it-was-too-passive-managing-Post-Office-as-parliamentary-pressure-builds">Government admits it was too passive managing Post Office as parliamentary pressure builds</a>.</li> <li>February 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252479323/Government-claims-it-was-misled-by-Post-Office-over-IT-scandal">Minister says Post Office IT experts misled the government when it asked questions about subpostmasters’ concerns over Horizon IT system</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252479176/Boris-Johnson-commits-to-getting-to-the-bottom-of-Post-Office-Horizon-IT-scandal">Boris Johnson commits to “getting to the bottom of” Post Office Horizon IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252479401/Boris-Johnsons-commitment-to-inquiry-into-Post-Office-scandal-in-doubt">Boris Johnson’s commitment to inquiry into Post Office scandal in doubt</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252479549/MPs-call-on-PM-to-commit-to-full-public-inquiry-into-Post-Office-Horizon-IT-scandal">MPs call on PM to commit to full public inquiry into Post Office Horizon IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252479650/Those-who-did-not-play-by-the-rules-in-Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-should-face-prosecution">Those who did not play by the rules in Post Office Horizon scandal “should face prosecution”</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252479794/MPs-told-to-hold-to-account-those-responsible-for-Post-Office-Horizon-IT-scandal">MPs told to hold to account those responsible for Post Office Horizon IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480083/Secret-Post-Office-deals-cause-fury-among-Horizon-IT-scandal-campaigners">The Post Office has sparked anger with secret settlements with subpostmasters outside the recent legal action against it</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480365/Labour%20MP%20Karl%20Turner%20tells%20Computer%20Weekly%20that%20the%20Post%20Office%20Horizon%20scandal%20is%20the%20most%20grotesque%20version%20of%20predatory%20capitalism%20he%20has%20ever%20seen">Labour MP Karl Turner tells Computer Weekly that the Post Office Horizon scandal is the most grotesque version of predatory capitalism he has ever seen</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480365/MP-warns-minister-not-to-parrot-civil-servants-lines-on-Post-Office-IT-scandal">MP Kevan Jones has warned a government minister not to repeat the mistakes of predecessors in relation to the Post Office Horizon IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480440/Coronavirus-CCRC-uses-Microsoft-Teams-to-consider-subpostmaster-appeals">Criminal Cases Review Commission to use Microsoft Teams to ensure review of subpostmaster prosecutions is held on time</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480463/Coronavirus-Post-Office-postpones-subpostmaster-compensation-scheme-amid-Covid-19-crisis">Post Office postpones subpostmaster compensation scheme amid Covid-19 crisis</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480571/Meeting-reviewing-subpostmaster-applications-to-appeal-criminal-prosecutions-moves-into-second-day">Meeting reviewing subpostmaster applications to appeal criminal prosecutions moves into second day</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480655/Subpostmaster-prosecutions-to-be-considered-by-Court-of-Appeal-for-miscarriages-of-justice">Subpostmaster prosecutions to be considered by Court of Appeal for miscarriages of justice</a>.</li> <li>March 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252480745/How-Subpostmasters-made-legal-history-with-biggest-referral-of-potential-miscarriages-of-justice">How subpostmasters made legal history with biggest referral of potential miscarriages of justice.</a></li> <li>April 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252482260/Met-Police-assess-evidence-of-potential-perjury-in-Post-Office-IT-trials">Met Police examines information about evidence given in court by Fujitsu staff on the Horizon IT system</a>.</li> <li>May 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252482517/Subpostmasters-receive-their-inadequate-damages-over-Horizon-IT-scandal">Subpostmasters who had their lives ruined by the Post Office’s faulty IT system have received their damages after a High Court victory</a>.</li> <li>May 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252483344/Post-Office-executive-who-tried-to-mislead-judge-in-Horizon-trial-leaves-via-back-door">A senior Post Office executive at the centre of an IT scandal, who tried to mislead a High Court judge in relation to it, has left the organisation without fanfare despite many years of service</a>.</li> <li>May 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252483639/900-more-criminal-prosecutions-of-subpostmasters-could-be-unsafe-because-of-IT-failures">Post Office re-examines hundreds of prosecutions that could have resulted from faults in Horizon IT system</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252483733/Subpostmasters-crowdfund-for-justice-in-IT-scandal">A campaign group representing subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted for theft and false accounting by the Post Office is raising money to help clear the names of victims of the scandal</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484026/Subpostmasters-to-force-scrutiny-of-governments-role-in-Post-Office-IT-scandal">Subpostmasters to force scrutiny of government’s role in Post Office IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484100/CCRC-sends-47-subpostmaster-miscarriages-of-justice-for-appeal-asks-for-prosecution-powers-review">The Criminal Cases Review Commission sends 47 more subpostmaster cases to Court of Appeal and asks government to review private prosecution powers</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484163/Government-investigation-into-Horizon-scandal-bares-teeth">Select committee chair writes to former Post Office CEO demanding answers over her role in IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484483/Anger-as-government-launches-pathetic-and-pointless-review-of-Horizon-scandal">The government has been accused of launching a review that fails in getting to the bottom of one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484566/Subpostmasters-will-not-cooperate-with-government-review-into-IT-scandal">Subpostmasters will not cooperate with government review into IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484647/Blow-to-Government-review-of-Post-Office-scandal-as-key-forensic-accountants-refuse-to-support-it">The government’s proposed review of the Post Office IT scandal has received a further setback as forensic accountants join subpostmasters in refusing to back it</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484776/Select-committee-chair-demands-sharper-teeth-for-review-of-Post-Office-IT-scandal">Call for government review of Post Office Horizon scandal to have the power to force individuals to give evidence under oath</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484917/Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-victims-keep-pressure-on-governments-doorstep">Subpostmasters seeking justice in the Post Office Horizon IT scandal are regaining momentum in Parliament</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484963/Care-Quality-Commission-to-discuss-concerns-over-Paula-Vennells-NHS-role">Healthcare regulator will be discussing concerns about former NHS boss chairing an NHS trust at an upcoming meeting</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252485110/Firm-that-investigated-controversial-Post-Office-IT-system-to-support-criminal-conviction-appeals">Second Sight is working with law firm in appeals by subpostmasters against criminal convictions in Horizon IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252485190/Former-Post-Office-CEO-and-Fujitsu-play-the-blame-game-in-Horizon-IT-scandal">Post Office and Fujitsu blame each other for many of the failings in the Horizon IT scandal that wrecked lives</a>.</li> <li>June 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252485328/MPs-to-examine-fairness-of-private-prosecutions-in-light-of-Post-Office-IT-scandal">Parliamentary Justice Committee to hold short inquiry into the rules and regulations surrounding private organisations’ ability to initiate criminal proceedings</a>.</li> <li>July 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252485826/Post-Office-scandal-victims-have-days-to-raise-thousands-of-pounds-or-perpetrators-go-scot-free">Victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal need to raise thousands of pounds in a week or those responsible for their suffering will avoid scrutiny</a>.</li> <li>July 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252486099/Subpostmasters-hit-funding-target-to-prevent-government-burying-IT-scandal">The government is set to face scrutiny over its involvement in the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, described as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in modern UK history</a>.</li> <li>September 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252488725/Post-Office-Horizon-IT-scandal-victims-face-long-fight-as-government-digs-heels-in">The government repeats that it won’t pay victims’ legal costs and confirms review into the scandal will not have the power to call witnesses</a>.</li> <li>September 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252489777/Subpostmasters-still-in-the-dark-about-live-Horizon-errors">Subpostmasters still not being told about all the known errors in the controversial Post Office branch accounting and retail system that they use</a>.</li> <li>October 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252489999/Justice-for-subpostmasters-as-wrongful-criminal-convictions-are-set-to-be-quashed">The Post Office has chosen not to contest 44 out of 47 appeals, meaning most are likely to have their names cleared, but others still face a Court of Appeal battle for justice</a>.</li> <li>October 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252490154/Government-deaf-to-loud-calls-for-statutory-public-inquiry-into-Post-Office-scandal">MPs are demanding the government holds a full statutory public inquiry into the Post Office IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>October 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252490276/Care-Quality-Commissions-enquiries-into-IT-scandal-CEO-continue">NHS regulator continues enquiries about the appointment of former Post Office CEO at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust as more damning details emerge</a>.</li> <li>October 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252490447/Government-ministers-plea-for-subpostmasters-to-take-part-in-review-of-IT-scandal-rejected">Government minister met with former subpostmaster online in an attempt to get victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal involved in government review</a>.</li> <li>October 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252490580/Post-Office-races-to-solve-IT-error-under-gaze-of-public-and-banks">The Post Office is focusing urgently on fixing an IT error suffered by a subpostmaster amid the ongoing IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>October 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252490795/Labour-shares-subpostmaster-concerns-over-whitewash-Horizon-IT-inquiry">Labour politicians are calling for the government to give the Post Office Horizon scandal inquiry the power to force witnesses to give evidence if they don’t cooperate</a>.</li> <li>October 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252490996/NHS-trust-takes-another-look-at-its-appointment-of-IT-scandal-CEO">Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has asked for external review of its process when appointing controversial executive</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252491520/Subpostmasters-complaint-about-government-begins-its-journey-to-Parliamentary-Ombudsman">Government faces scrutiny of its handling of the Post Office IT scandal that destroyed subpostmasters’ lives and livelihoods</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252491681/Post-Office-Horizon-system-crashes-nationally">Post Office branches offline during busy business hours after suffering an IT error that the Post Office said related to IT from supplier Fujitsu</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252491906/Lack-of-openness-on-Horizon-errors-remains-as-Fujitsu-refuses-to-explain-latest-outage">Fujitsu is refusing to explain what caused a national system outage in Post Office branches last week, despite the Post Office confirming the issue was the fault of the supplier</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252492031/Police-open-criminal-investigation-into-potential-perjury-by-Fujitsu-staff-in-Post-Office-IT-trial">The Metropolitan Police opens criminal investigation into Fujitsu staff who gave evidence in trials of subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted and even imprisoned for financial crimes</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252492118/Post-Office-explanation-of-IT-system-outage-so-vague-it-is-pointless">Post Office criticised over vagueness of its explanation of the cause of a UK-wide IT failure that saw subpostmasters unable to do business</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252492186/Botched-software-update-to-blame-for-Horizon-crash">Post Office says planned firmware update caused the problem that left branches unable to do business for 90 minutes</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252492350/Fujitsu-staff-under-investigation-for-potential-perjury-in-Post-Office-IT-trial-named">Court documents reveal the names of the Fujitsu employees under investigation for potentially providing misleading information in criminal trials</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252492495/Subpostmasters-want-300m-from-a-government-that-allowed-Post-Office-reign-of-terror">The government allowed the Post Office to ‘run amok’ and destroy lives, says complaint to Parliamentary Ombudsman</a>.</li> <li>November 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252492572/Post-Office-accused-of-lying-and-potentially-being-in-contempt-of-Parliament-in-IT-scandal">Campaigning politician demands access to documents that could prove that the Post Office lied</a>.</li> <li>December 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252492923/Government-covers-its-ears-as-complaint-by-victims-of-Post-Office-abuse-heads-to-ombudsman">Government denies responsibility for the abuse inflicted on subpostmasters by the Post Office over faulty IT system</a>.</li> <li>December 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252493199/Post-Office-IT-scandal-CEO-Paula-Vennells-jumps-NHS-ship-as-pressure-mounts">CEO at the centre of the scandal that saw innocent people bankrupted and some sent to prison steps down from NHS role as pressure for her resignation grows</a>.</li> <li>December 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252493522/History-made-as-subpostmasters-wrongly-prosecuted-in-Horizon-IT-scandal-have-convictions-quashed">History made as subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted in Horizon IT scandal have convictions quashed</a>.</li> <li>December 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252493521/Appointment-of-disgraced-former-Post-Office-executive-at-Welsh-FA-questioned-by-MP">The appointment of a former Post Office executive, who tried to mislead a judge, in the Football Association of Wales has been questioned by an MP</a>.</li> <li>December 2020: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252493818/Post-Office-suffers-latest-court-defeat-in-Horizon-IT-scandal">Court of Appeal indicates subpostmasters can pursue appeal route that could do more damage to Post Office’s reputation</a>.</li> <li>January 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252494402/NHS-trust-says-appointment-processes-robust-despite-criticism-of-role-for-Post-Office-scandal-CEO">NHS trust defends its director appointment process following an external review of its recruitment of former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells</a>.</li> <li>January 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252495079/IT-scandal-exposes-legal-rule-that-made-it-easy-for-Post-Office-to-prosecute-the-innocent">Lawyers call for changes to digital evidence rule that made it easier for the Post Office to ‘bamboozle courts’ and make subpostmasters pay a heavy price for its IT failings</a>.</li> <li>January 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252495097/More-subpostmasters-prosecutions-sent-to-appeal-for-wrongful-conviction">The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has referred four more subpostmasters’ criminal convictions to appeal, as part of the biggest miscarriage of justice in modern UK history</a>.</li> <li>February 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252496560/Fujitsu-bosses-knew-about-Post-Office-Horizon-IT-flaws-says-insider">A former senior developer who worked for Fujitsu on the Post Office IT system that led to subpostmasters being falsely accused of fraud, has claimed bosses knew of fundamental flaws before going live</a>.</li> <li>February 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252496767/Subpostmaster-group-calls-for-prime-minister-to-pause-Horizon-whitewash-inquiry">Subpostmasters call for Boris Johnson to pause and reshape the government’s Horizon inquiry</a>.</li> <li>February 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252496823/Appointment-of-disgraced-former-Post-Office-director-triggers-vote-of-no-confidence-in-Welsh-FA-boss">Vote of no confidence in Football Association of Wales boss triggered by recruitment of former Post Office executive who tried to mislead a judge in IT trial</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252497419/Government-to-change-unfair-private-prosecutions-used-to-prosecute-innocent-subpostmasters">Government agrees to change private prosecution rules that were abused by the Post Office in its pursuit of subpostmasters wrongly accused of financial crimes</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252497511/Prime-Minister-yet-to-respond-to-serious-subpostmaster-concerns-over-Horizon-IT-scandal-inquiry">Subpostmaster victims who have spent millions bringing the Post Office IT scandal to light have received no reply to their concerns from Boris Johnson</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252497573/Governments-refusal-of-freedom-of-information-request-about-Post-office-deeply-concerning">MP condemns department’s ‘bizarre’ rejection of freedom of information request linked to Post Office IT scandal</a>. </li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252497583/Welsh-FA-boss-linked-to-recruitment-of-controversial-former-Post-Office-executive-to-step-down">Football Association Wales boss steps down after losing confidence motion triggered by appointment of an executive involved in the Post Office IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252497665/Potential-miscarriages-of-justice-of-Scottish-subpostmasters-move-to-full-review">The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) is reviewing five cases of potential miscarriage of justice in relation to subpostmaster prosecutions</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498067/Subpostmasters-in-Court-of-Appeal-to-end-20-year-torment">Subpostmasters heading to Court of Appeal to clear their names in what is potentially the biggest miscarriage of justice in English legal history</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498087/Government-to-bail-out-Post-Office-which-cant-afford-to-pay-compensation-to-subpostmasters">The Post Office does not have enough money to pay compensation to the subpostmasters it wrongfully prosecuted</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498141/Post-Office-IT-scandal-executive-forced-out-of-job-at-Football-Association-of-Wales">Angela van den Bogerd has left her role at the Football Association of Wales, following criticism of her part in Post Office IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498245/Post-Office-staff-instructed-to-shred-documents-that-undermined-its-claims-Horizon-was-robust">Court of Appeal hearing reveals Post Office instructed employees to destroy documents that undermined an insistence that its Horizon computer system was robust</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498341/Post-Office-was-told-in-2013-that-Fujitsu-witness-was-unreliable-in-subpostmaster-prosecutions">The Post Office was warned that a former Fujitsu employee had misled courts when giving evidence on its behalf</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498358/Prime-Minister-says-people-should-be-held-to-account-for-Post-Office-IT-scandal">Boris Johnson agrees with MP that those responsible for the Post Office Horizon scandal should be brought to book</a>.</li> <li>March 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498388/Ex-Post-Office-CEO-Paula-Vennells-walked-away-from-IT-scandal-with-over-400,000-in-pay-and-bonuses">Former Post Office chief was paid over £400,000 when she left despite the organisation being involved in what would become the biggest miscarriage of justice in UK history</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498409/Government-faces-judicial-review-into-plans-for-Post-Office-Horizon-inquiry">The UK government faces a potential judicial review over its Post Office Horizon IT scandal inquiry, after subpostmasters formally wrote to the government seeking one</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498901/Demands-for-changes-to-barmy-rules-on-digital-evidence-have-governments-ear">The government is listening to calls for changes in how digital evidence is considered in court, as Post Office IT scandal spells out current rule’s inadequacy</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498971/Post-Office-gives-controversial-Fujitsu-contract-another-year">The Post Office's controversial contract with Fujitsu has been extended another year to help the organisation manage its exit</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499045/Post-Office-Horizon-contract-extension-is-part-of-project-to-bring-Fujitsu-work-in-house">The Post Office is to move work done by Fujitsu in-house when its outsourcing contract ends, and is already recruiting IT experts</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499238/End-of-the-road-for-Post-Office-IT-system-that-destroyed-lives">The Post Office has revealed the end to its controversial Horizon IT system which, through its errors and the Post Office's denial of them, caused huge suffering</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499377/Only-Government-standing-in-the-way-of-fair-compensation-for-subpostmasters">The UK government is the only block to fair compensation for subpostmasters who were wrongly punished for accounting shortfalls</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499723/Post-Office-scandal-victims-have-criminal-convictions-overturned-in-Court-of-Appeal">The Court of Appeal has overturned the criminal convictions of 39 subpostmasters who were blamed and punished for accounting shortfalls caused by computer errors</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499778/Post-Office-scandal-CEO-steps-down-from-roles-after-massive-miscarriage-of-justice-is-laid-bare">Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells has left roles in the church, Morrisons and Dunelm after postmasters’ convictions were overturned in the Court of Appeal</a>.</li> <li>April 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499806/Another-38-subpostmasters-submit-appeals-against-convictions">The biggest miscarriage of justice in UK history is set to get bigger as more subpostmasters take their cases to the Court of Appeal</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500167/Post-Office-CEO-either-knew-what-was-going-on-in-Horizon-scandal-or-was-asleep-at-the-wheel">Post Office IT scandal CEO has no excuse for her inaction in preventing the biggest miscarriage of justice in UK history, says Criminal Cases Review Commission chairperson</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500232/Post-Office-dishonesty-in-Horizon-scandal-is-reason-enough-for-statutory-public-inquiry">Subpostmasters, MPs and the public call for a full statutory judge-led public inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal, following another damning court judgment</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500395/Minister-promises-fair-and-speedy-compensation-for-555-subpostmasters-who-defeated-Post-Office">Government says it wants to ensure a fair pay-out for the 555 subpostmasters who defeated the Post Office in a legal battle</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500406/Post-Office-contacts-over-500-subpostmasters-potentially-wrongly-prosecuted-for-financial-crimes">The Post Office has contacted hundreds of people it might have wrongly prosecuted for financial crimes</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500460/Miscarriages-of-justice-are-the-potent-tip-of-Post-Office-scandal">The miscarriages of justice involving subpostmasters are the most disturbing element of the Post Office Horizon scandal – but it goes much deeper</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500646/Fujitsu-bags-3bn-in-public-sector-contracts-while-software-errors-wreck-the-lives-of-subpostmasters">The supplier at the centre of the Post Office Horizon scandal has so far escaped the ramifications of its role in the biggest miscarriage of justice in UK history</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252500762/More-former-subpostmasters-have-criminal-convictions-quashed">Another two former subpostmasters have had their convictions for financial crimes overturned, following a hearing in Southwark Crown Court</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252501013/Post-Office-Horizon-inquiry-set-to-be-given-statutory-status-with-wider-powers">The government inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal is set to be made statutory with the power to compel witnesses and evidence</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252501082/Nothing-off-the-table-in-statutory-Post-Office-scandal-inquiry">The government confirmed that the inquiry into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal will be given statutory status and wider scope</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252501128/Subpostmaster-campaign-group-to-meet-Post-Office-scandal-inquiry-chair">The Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance has agreed to meet the former judge heading up the inquiry into the Post Office scandal that ruined the lives of hundreds of subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252501399/Its-a-good-day-when-we-refer-a-case-CCRC-tells-MPs-during-review-of-Post-Office-prosecutions">Criminal Cases Review Commission will not allow pressure on its resources to prevent subpostmasters seeking a review of their criminal convictions</a>.</li> <li>May 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252501510/BCS-demands-reform-to-rules-on-computer-evidence-following-Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-revelations">Professional IT body wants changes to how computer evidence is used in court in the wake of the Post Office case</a>.</li> <li>June 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252501656/Post-Office-scandal-public-inquiry-finally-begins-after-chances-to-address-problems-were-missed">The Post Office Horizon scandal inquiry begins with subpostmaster campaign group waiting for full details before committing its support</a>.</li> <li>June 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252502056/Did-government-allow-Post-Office-to-sack-forensic-accountants-to-cover-up-Horizon-scandal">Whatever the Post Office told government about its decision to sack investigators examining subpostmaster prosecutions for theft could identify if the government was part of a cover-up</a>.</li> <li>June 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252502738/Post-Office-pays-400-subpostmasters-compensation-for-losses-caused-by-computer-errors">The Post Office has so far compensated about 400 subpostmasters who suffered losses as a result of computer errors that they were wrongly blamed for</a>.</li> <li>July 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252503399/Ten-more-former-subpostmasters-set-to-have-wrongful-convictions-overturned">Another 10 subpostmasters are set to have their criminal convictions quashed as part of one of the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history</a>.</li> <li>July 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252503752/Government-commitment-to-Post-Office-Horizon-victims-was-a-false-promise">The government has made no contact with subpostmasters two months after it said it would work with them to ensure they get speedy and fair compensation</a>.</li> <li>July 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252503844/Taxpayers-will-have-to-pay-at-least-300m-to-bail-out-Post-Office-after-scandal">The cost of a scheme set up to compensate subpostmasters who were victims of the Horizon IT scandal will exceed £300m</a>.</li> <li>July 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252504363/Government-to-fund-interim-compensation-of-up-to-100000-for-each-wrongly-convicted-subpostmaster">The government will pay interim compensation within weeks to subpostmasters who were wrongly convicted of crimes due to computer errors</a>.</li> <li>August 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252505156/Four-more-subpostmasters-set-to-have-convictions-overturned">A further four subpostmasters are set to have their wrongful convictions overturned in the latest development in the Post Office Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>August 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252505410/Overturned-convictions-of-subpostmasters-mount-up-but-555-victims-no-closer-justice">The government has failed to provide fair compensation to the subpostmasters who exposed the full extent of the Horizon scandal to the world</a>.</li> <li>August 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506031/Subpostmasters-demand-more-clarity-on-Horizon-public-inquiry-before-committing-their-support">Subpostmasters demand more clarity on Horizon public inquiry before committing their support</a>.</li> <li>September 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506632/CCRC-refers-six-more-subpostmaster-convictions-for-appeal">Six more subpostmaster convictions referred for appeal in Post Office IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>September 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506647/Government-Minister-holds-secret-meeting-with-Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-victims">Government minister holds secret meeting with Post Office Horizon scandal victims</a>.</li> <li>October 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252508099/Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-inquiry-announces-first-public-hearing">The public inquiry into a scandal that saw subpostmasters imprisoned after being blamed for accounting shortfalls will hold its first public hearing early next month</a>.</li> <li>October 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252508541/Post-Office-board-appalling-short-sighted-and-partisan-said-Minister-researching-Horizon-project">A government minister investigating the controversial Horizon IT project in 2000 described the Post Office board of directors as ‘appalling, short-sighted and partisan’</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509066/Fujitsu-escaped-huge-lawsuit-because-Post-Office-behaved-so-badly-in-Horizon-scandal">The behaviour of Post Office senior management during the Horizon scandal was so egregious that the supplier of the faulty software has escaped a large financial penalty</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509113/Police-interview-former-Fujitsu-staff-for-second-time-in-potential-perjury-investigation">Former Fujitsu staff who gave evidence in subpostmaster trials have been questioned by police for a second time</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509150/Number-of-subpostmasters-appealing-convictions-reaches-137-at-one-legal-firm">Former subpostmasters convicted of crimes based on data from error-prone Post Office computer system continue to embark on appeals</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509242/Government-and-Post-Office-should-stop-discussing-Horizon-victim-compensation-and-pay-it">The first hearing in the Post Office Horizon scandal public inquiry hears why victims should be paid compensation immediately</a>.</li> <li>November 2021:<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509479/Convictions-of-eight-former-subpostmasters-in-Scotland-under-review">The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission is investigating eight potential miscarriages of justice linked with faulty Post Office IT system</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509618/Post-Office-agrees-to-share-privileged-legal-information-with-Horizon-scandal-inquiry">The Post Office will waive professional legal privilege for documents relating to legal advice it received regarding subpostmaster prosecutions</a>.</li> <li>November 2021 <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509696/Six-more-former-subpostmasters-have-convictions-overturned">A total number of 65 subpostmasters have now had criminal convictions overturned in Post Office Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>November 2021 <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509817/Subpostmasters-asked-to-remove-support-for-Post-Office-scandal-inquiry">Subpostmasters asked to withdraw support for Post Office scandal inquiry</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252509860/More-wrongful-convictions-overturned-in-Post-Office-scandal">Seven more subpostmasters have been cleared after the Post Office charged them for crimes caused by its faulty Horizon software</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510062/Post-Office-supported-1999-law-change-that-eased-prosecutions-using-computer-evidence">The Post Office made clear its support for a change in UK law regarding computer evidence that was making prosecution ‘onerous’ – a change which later helped to wrongfully convict subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>November 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510083/Post-Office-Inquiry-clears-up-opaque-stance-on-subpostmaster-compensation">The chair of the Post Office scandal public inquiry has confirmed the compensation of a group of subpostmasters will be revisited</a>.</li> <li>December 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510928/Government-must-go-further-after-agreeing-to-pay-compensation-for-wrongly-convicted-subpostmasters">Government must go further after agreeing to pay compensation for wrongly convicted subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>December 2021: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252511005/Pressure-on-government-to-pay-fair-compensation-to-subpostmasters-left-out-of-current-schemes">Pressure on government to pay fair compensation to subpostmasters left out of current schemes</a>.</li> <li>January 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252511716/MPs-call-for-fair-compensation-for-excluded-victims-of-Post-Office-scandal">Almost 100 MPs have backed a call for the government to reverse its decision to exclude 555 subpostmasters from fair compensation</a>.</li> <li>January 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252511844/Post-Office-cant-access-records-of-all-money-paid-to-it-by-victims-of-the-Horizon-scandal">A parliamentary select committee was told that the Post Office is unable to access information to accurately calculate compensation for some Horizon scandal victims</a>.</li> <li>January 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512010/Post-Office-received-1bn-taxpayer-subsidy-last-year-as-part-of-IT-scandal-compensation">The Post Office received subsidies worth over £1bn last year, including a £685m payment just last month, in a scheme labelled Post Office Historical Matters Compensation</a>.</li> <li>January 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512095/Government-widens-subpostmaster-miscarriage-of-justice-compensation">Government widens subpostmaster miscarriage of justice compensation scheme in Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>January 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512243/Government-has-nothing-against-paying-555-subpostmasters-fair-compensation">Government officials are open to finding a way to properly compensate victims of the Horizon scandal without setting a dangerous legal precedent</a>.</li> <li>January 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512410/Subpostmaster-campaign-group-to-meet-government-over-unfair-compensation-settlement">The subpostmaster campaign group responsible for exposing the Post Office Horizon scandal is to meet with the government to discuss fair compensation for their suffering</a>.</li> <li>January 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512465/Demands-on-Fujitsu-to-contribute-to-1bn-Horizon-scandal-compensation-costs">Fujitsu cannot hide away as taxpayers pick up the bill for the Post Office scandal triggered by its IT system, say peers</a>.</li> <li>February 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512882/Cack-handed-government-compensation-scheme-prolongs-suffering-of-Horizon-scandal-victims">Victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal are being denied the millions of pounds they are owed as the government delays compensation resolution</a>.</li> <li>February 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252513159/Post-Office-scandal-victims-to-tell-their-stories-in-public">Victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal are due to tell their devastating stories to the statutory inquiry</a>.</li> <li>February 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252513492/MPs-demand-urgent-compensation-for-Post-Office-scandal-victim-group">MPs are demanding urgent action by the government to provide full compensation to a group of 555 Post Office Horizon scandal victims who have so far been left out</a>.</li> <li>February 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252513544/The-British-public-are-waking-up-to-the-scandal-that-happened-under-their-noses">Victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal have been suffering in silence for many years, but the current public inquiry is giving them a voice, and people are listening</a>.</li> <li>February 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252513687/Horizon-inquiry-questioning-raises-hopes-of-fair-compensation-for-victims-so-far-left-out">Horizon inquiry questioning raises hopes of fair compensation for victims so far left out</a>.</li> <li>February 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252513934/Government-set-to-backtrack-on-untenable-position-on-subpostmaster-compensation">Government set to backtrack on untenable position on subpostmaster compensation</a>.</li> <li>March 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252514110/Post-Office-warned-of-software-flaw-in-2006-but-failed-to-alert-subpostmaster-network">The Post Office and Fujitsu failed to alert subpostmasters to a software error that caused them to be wrongly blamed for accounting shortfalls</a>.</li> <li>March 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252514320/Horizon-scandal-inquiry-hearing-sheds-light-on-Subpostmaster-federations-role-in-hushing-up-IT">Horizon inquiry hearing sheds light on subpostmaster federation’s role in hushing up IT problems</a>.</li> <li>March 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252514929/555-subpostmasters-to-get-fair-compensation-after-government-U-turn">555 subpostmasters to get fair compensation after government U-turn on its stance on High Court settlement</a>.</li> <li>March 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252515319/Compensation-goal-finally-in-sight-for-555-Post-Office-scandal-victims">Compensation goal finally in sight for 555 Post Office scandal victims, after 13 year campaign</a>.</li> <li>April 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252515504/Fujitsu-bags-430m-government-contracts-despite-rising-cost-of-Post-Office-Horizon-scandal">Fujitsu bags £430m government contracts despite rising cost of Post Office Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>April 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252516173/More-Scottish-subpostmaster-conviction-reviews-expected-as-part-of-Post-Office-scandal">The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission expects more subpostmasters with potential wrongful convictions to come forward</a>.</li> <li>April 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252516273/Post-Office-scandal-victims-still-waiting-for-compensation-a-year-after-convictions-overturned">Former subpostmasters who were wrongfully convicted and punished for crimes have not yet received full compensation over a year after their convictions were overturned</a>.</li> <li>April 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252516388/Police-question-former-Fujitsu-worker-again-in-Post-Office-scandal-perjury-investigation">A former Fujitsu worker has been questioned under caution for the third time as police investigate potential perjury in trials of subpostmasters wrongfully convicted of financial crimes</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252516635/Post-Office-scandal-CEO-could-be-stripped-of-CBE">Paula Vennells could be stripped of her CBE as the Honours Forfeiture Committee commits to reconsider its award in the light of the Post Office Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252516675/Judicial-intervention-inevitable-as-Post-Office-compensation-valuation-falls-short">Lawyer negotiating compensation for victims of Post Office scandal says the two sides are ‘poles apart’ on valuations</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252517922/Post-Office-scandal-victims-in-Scotland-to-tell-their-stories-raising-questions-of-law">Inquiry into Post Office scandal moves to Scotland, with differences in English and Scottish law raising further serious questions about subpostmaster prosecutions</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252517997/Post-Office-scandal-inquiry-chair-brings-forward-urgent-compensation-hearings">The chair of the Post Office Horizon scandal inquiry has brought forward hearings about compensation as victims warn that at this rate “people will die” before they get anything</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252518010/CCRC-to-contact-88-more-former-subpostmasters-with-potentially-wrongful-convictions">The Criminal Cases Review Commission is to contact 88 more potentially wrongfully convicted Post Office workers</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252518282/Controversial-Post-Office-IT-system-to-be-replaced-by-2025">The Post Office Horizon IT system at the centre of a national scandal will be replaced by 2025, with a supplier expected to be named in August</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252518299/Post-Office-scandal-victim-calls-for-governments-role-in-silencing-victims-to-be-investigated">Victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal in Scotland raise further questions about Post Office and government conduct</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252520527/Government-has-no-plans-to-review-controversial-court-rules-on-computer-evidence">Government accused of ‘passing the buck’ and ‘not knowing what it is talking about’ after stating it has no plans to review court rules on computer evidence</a>.</li> <li>May 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252520682/The-barristers-that-broke-their-backs-to-break-the-Post-Offices-shield-of-lies">Computer Weekly spoke to the barristers at Henderson Chambers that fought the Post Office in the High Court to expose the widest miscarriage of justice in UK history</a>.</li> <li>June 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252521309/More-wrongful-convictions-quashed-in-Post-Office-IT-scandal">Two more Post Office Horizon scandal victims have had their wrongful convictions overturned</a>.</li> <li>June 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252521718/Minister-says-compensation-offer-to-555-subpostmasters-close">The 555 subpostmasters who exposed the depth of the Post Office Horizon scandal could finally be fairly compensated</a>.</li> <li>June 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252521791/Post-Office-IT-investigator-to-be-released-from-confidentiality-obligations-for-inquiry">Forensic accounting firm that ‘knows where the bodies are buried’ will be released from confidentiality obligations by the Post Office to give evidence to public inquiry</a>.</li> <li>June 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252522193/Independent-scrutiny-brought-into-compensation-negotiations-for-wrongly-prosecuted-subpostmasters">Lawyers negotiating the compensation valuations for former subpostmasters who suffered wrongful convictions have brought in independent judicial scrutiny to break an impasse</a>.</li> <li>June 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252522141/Subpostmaster-campaigning-forces-government-to-set-up-compensation-scheme-and-make-interim-payments">Subpostmaster campaign group is a step closer to achieving what it was originally set up to do as government launches compensation scheme for its members who did not receive fair payouts</a>.</li> <li>July 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252523126/Six-more-subpostmaster-convictions-overturned">More former subpostmasters have their wrongful convictions for theft and fraud overturned in the Court of Appeal</a>.</li> <li>July 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252523143/Post-Office-attacked-subpostmasters-who-questioned-Horizon-say-victims">When the Post Office’s lie about the Horizon system failed to silence subpostmaster critics, it took more extreme measures, say victims of the scandal</a>.</li> <li>September 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252524481/Police-interview-Horizon-scandal-victim-in-investigation-into-potential-perjury-by-Fujitsu-staff">The Met Police have interviewed a former subpostmaster as part of an investigation into potential perjury by former Fujitsu staff</a>.</li> <li>September 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252525291/Post-Office-scandal-inquiry-chair-intervenes-in-slow-compensation-progress">Chair of statutory public inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal has aired his disappointment over the slow progress in making interim payments to victims</a>.</li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252525926/Post-Office-scandal-inquiry-restarts-with-call-for-a-pause-amid-disclosure-controversy?_ga=2.192509992.363987533.1665478652-286388731.1664962548&_gl=1*4vu0dy*_ga*Mjg2Mzg4NzMxLjE2NjQ5NjI1NDg.*_ga_TQKE4GS5P9*MTY2NTc0MDc3NC4zOC4xLjE2NjU3NDU4NDkuMC4wLjA.">The public inquiry into the Post Office scandal has begun phase two with a request for adjournment amid allegations that the Post Office is failing to disclose relevant documents</a>.</li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526045/Those-responsible-for-subpostmaster-suffering-in-Horizon-scandal-must-face-public-inquiry">Victims demand that the perpetrators of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal face the public inquiry</a>.</li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526102/Fujitsu-to-finally-face-up-to-blame-for-its-part-in-Post-Office-Horizon-scandal">Fujitsu’s part in causing the extreme suffering of subpostmasters will be made clear as the IT supplier begins giving evidence at a statutory inquiry</a>.</li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526209/Subpostmaster-federation-failed-its-members-when-they-needed-it-most">A dereliction of duty saw subpostmaster federation ignore its members when IT problems hit and allowed the Post Office destroy their lives</a>.</li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526537/New-minister-asked-to-pause-Fujitsu-government-contracts">Politicians are keeping up the pressure to block government contracts being awarded to Fujitsu because of its role in the Post Office Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526542/Reported-Horizon-errors-should-have-been-show-stopper-public-inquiry-told">Problems reported with the Post Office’s Horizon IT system before its roll-out should have been regarded as a “show-stopper.”</a></li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526586/Horizon-system-EPOSS-code-writers-lacked-basic-programming-skills-public-inquiry-hears">Horizon system code writers lacked basic programming skills, according to the task force set up to investigate reported problems with the controversial software</a>.</li> <li>October 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526661/Post-Office-warned-of-Horizon-software-induced-tragedy-in-1999">T</a><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526661/Post-Office-warned-of-Horizon-software-induced-tragedy-in-1999">rials of the Horizon computer system in Post Office branches in 1999 led to a warning from subpostmasters that software problems meant “a tragedy was not far away”</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526828/Game-of-hardball-in-Horizon-negotiations-left-subpostmasters-exposed-to-tragedy?_ga=2.132243406.1953818817.1667299299-286388731.1664962548&_gl=1*4o99gw*_ga*Mjg2Mzg4NzMxLjE2NjQ5NjI1NDg.*_ga_TQKE4GS5P9*MTY2NzQ4NTg3OS4xMTIuMS4xNjY3NDg1OTg4LjAuMC4w">Game of ‘hardball’ in Horizon negotiations left subpostmasters exposed to tragedy</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252526883/Confirmation-bias-led-Post-Office-to-prosecute-subpostmasters-without-investigation-inquiry-told">Confirmation bias led Post Office to prosecute subpostmasters without investigation, inquiry told</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252527040/Six-subpostmaster-convictions-referred-for-appeal-in-Scotland">SCCRC has referred six cases of potential wrongful convictions of subpostmasters to the High Court of Justiciary</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252527085/Fujitsu-expert-witness-in-subpostmaster-trial-manoeuvred-into-role-public-inquiry-told">Fujitsu expert witness in subpostmaster trial ‘manoeuvred’ into role, public inquiry told</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252527307/Post-Office-changed-view-of-Horizon-problems-before-roll-out-because-of-a-sunk-cost-fallacy">Post Office changed view of Horizon problems before roll-out, because of a ‘sunk cost fallacy’</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252527341/Team-working-on-controversial-Post-Office-Horizon-EPOSS-software-was-the-joke-of-the-building">Team working on controversial Post Office Horizon EPOSS software was the ‘joke of the building’</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252527436/Post-Office-scandal-inquirys-expert-IT-witness-troubled-by-his-findings">The Post Office IT scandal inquiry’s appointed expert IT witness was “troubled” by the lack of integrity of data from the Horizon system that was used to send people to prison</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Fujitsu-put-pressure-on-UK-government-to-sign-off-troubled-Horizon-project-public-inquiry-hears">Telegram from British Embassy in Tokyo to UK government reveals pressure on ministers to sign off controversial contract</a>.</li> <li>November 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252527837/Subpostmaster-federation-deliberately-kept-public-in-dark-over-computer-problems-secret">Subpostmaster federation deliberately kept public in dark over computer problems</a>.</li> <li>December 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252527952/Post-Office-boosted-its-coffers-as-Horizon-system-threw-up-unexplained-shortfalls-inquiry-told">Post Office boosted its ‘coffers’ as Horizon system threw up unexplained shortfalls, inquiry told</a>.</li> <li>December 2022:  <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252528046/Post-Office-scandal-cock-up-or-cook-up">Post Office scandal – “cock-up or cook-up”?</a></li> <li>December 2022: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252528356/Criminal-Cases-Review-Commission-calls-on-more-convicted-subpostmasters-to-come-forward">Criminal Cases Review Commission calls on more convicted subpostmasters to come forward</a>.</li> <li>January 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252528935/Former-subpostmaster-Alan-Bates-turns-down-OBE-offer">Former subpostmaster Alan Bates, who ‘pulled up trees and moved mountains’, turns down OBE offer</a>.</li> <li>January 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252529287/Advisory-board-goal-for-Post-Office-scandal-victims-to-be-returned-to-rightful-financial-position?amp=1">Advisory board goal for Post Office scandal victims to be returned to rightful financial position</a>.</li> <li>January 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365529814/Former-Fujitsu-staff-under-police-investigation-to-face-Post-Office-IT-scandal-inquiry">Former Fujitsu staff under police investigation to face Post Office IT scandal inquiry</a>.</li> <li>February 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365531937/Post-Offices-most-senior-executives-hushed-up-Horizon-errors-public-inquiry-told">Post Office’s most senior executives hushed up Horizon errors, public inquiry told</a>.</li> <li>March 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365532018/Post-Office-ditched-plan-to-replace-Fujitsu-with-IBM-in-2015-due-to-cost-and-project-concerns">Post Office attempted to replace controversial Horizon system 10 years ago, but was put off by project’s scale and cost</a>.</li> <li>March 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365532063/IT-worker-evidence-reveals-a-toxic-Post-Office-IT-helpdesk-that-discriminated-against-subpostmasters">IT worker tells public inquiry that the Post Office Horizon helpdesk was toxic, rudderless and racist</a>.</li> <li>March 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365532477/Subpostmaster-demands-names-of-Post-Office-executives-who-crushed-him-to-suffocate-truth">Subpostmaster demands names of Post Office executives who crushed him to suffocate truth</a>.</li> <li>April 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365534956/CCRC-says-door-open-for-more-reviews-of-subpostmaster-convictions">CCRC says ‘door open’ for more reviews of subpostmaster convictions</a>.</li> <li>April 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365535112/Controversial-Fujitsu-contract-with-Post-Office-extended-after-technical-challenges-moving-to-cloud">The Post Office has extended a contract with Fujitsu after being unable to resolve technical issues related to migrating its IT to the cloud</a>.</li> <li>April 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365535585/Post-Office-paid-IBM-millions-when-it-ended-proposed-contract-to-replace-Horizon">Post Office paid IBM millions when it ended proposed contract to replace Horizon</a>.</li> <li>April 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365535585/Post-Office-paid-IBM-millions-when-it-ended-proposed-contract-to-replace-Horizon">The Post Office ended a proposed contract with IBM to replace its controversial Horizon system after work had already started</a>.</li> <li>May 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366535953/More-Post-Office-software-related-convictions-take-total-to-86">More Post Office software-related convictions overturned takes total to 86</a>.</li> <li>May 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366537376/Fujitsu-staff-had-unrestricted-and-unauditable-remote-access-to-Post-Office-branch-systems">Fujitsu staff had ‘unrestricted and unauditable’ remote access to Post Office branch systems</a>.</li> <li>May 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366537341/Post-Office-lawyer-bragged-how-team-destroyed-attack-on-the-Horizon-system-and-put-woman-in-prison">Post Office lawyer bragged how team ‘destroyed attack on the Horizon system’ and put woman in prison</a>.</li> <li>May 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366537461/Post-Office-executive-produced-one-sided-report-giving-Horizon-system-a-false-bill-of-heath">Post Office executive told to report false bill of health on controversial software</a>.</li> <li>May 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366538153/Campaigning-former-subpostmaster-fears-compensation-for-scandal-victims-will-be-delayed-to-2025">Campaigning former subpostmaster fears compensation for scandal victims will be delayed to 2025</a>.</li> <li>May 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366538096/Post-Office-scandal-cover-up-a-dark-chapter-in-government-corporate-and-legal-history">Post Office scandal – cover-up a ‘dark chapter’ in government, corporate and legal history</a>.</li> <li>June 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366542414/Post-Office-will-not-oppose-potential-Horizon-conviction-appellants">Post Office CEO told MPs that the organisation is telling some subpostmasters it won’t oppose them if they appeal</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366543482/Public-inquiry-hears-how-Post-Office-security-withheld-evidence-from-people-it-suspected-of-theft">Public inquiry hears how Post Office security withheld evidence from people it suspected of theft</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366543715/Former-Fujitsu-IT-chief-evidence-postponed-after-late-Post-Office-disclosure">Former Fujitsu IT chief evidence postponed after late Post Office disclosure</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366544234/Post-Office-inquiry-must-examine-rule-on-IT-evidence-if-miscarriages-of-justice-are-to-be-avoided">Post Office inquiry must examine role of court rules around use of computer evidence that enabled it to prosecute innocent people</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366544394/Peer-calls-for-every-Post-Office-prosecution-to-be-reviewed">Peer calls for every Post Office prosecution to be reviewed</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366544317/Horizon-inquiry-adjourned-as-Post-Office-disclosure-failures-threaten-to-derail-proceedings">Horizon inquiry adjourned as Post Office disclosure failures threaten to ‘derail’ proceedings</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366544506/Horizon-inquiry-chief-threatens-Post-Office-with-criminal-sanctions-over-disclosure-failures">Horizon inquiry chief threatens Post Office with ‘criminal sanctions’ over disclosure failures</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366544874/Subpostmaster-compensation-deadline-will-be-missed-warns-public-inquiry-chair">Subpostmaster compensation deadline will be missed, warns public inquiry chair</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366545596/CCRC-refers-two-more-subpostmaster-conviction-for-appeal">CCRC refers two more subpostmaster convictions for appeal</a>.</li> <li>July 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366546032/Post-Office-tried-to-convince-independent-IT-witness-that-he-was-wrong-about-Horizon">Post Office tried to convince independent IT witness that he was wrong about Horizon</a>.</li> <li>August 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366548772/MP-calls-for-review-of-computer-evidence-rule-which-meant-subpostmasters-were-wrongly-convicted">MP calls for review of computer evidence rule which led to subpostmasters being wrongly convicted</a>.</li> <li>August 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366549452/Six-subpostmaster-appeals-to-be-heard-in-Scottish-court">Six subpostmaster appeals to be heard in Scottish court</a>.</li> <li>September 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366552411/Post-Office-employee-changed-story-for-witness-statement-used-to-destroy-subpostmaster">Post Office employee changed story for witness statement used to destroy subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>September 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366553492/Post-Office-had-no-interest-in-subpostmaster-welfare-when-taking-legal-action-says-Fujitsu-memo">Post Office had no interest in subpostmaster welfare when taking legal action, says Fujitsu memo</a>.</li> <li>September 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366552360/Government-offers-600000-to-subpostmasters-with-overturned-convictions">Government offers £600,000 to subpostmasters with overturned convictions</a>.</li> <li>September 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366553454/Five-more-subpostmasters-have-IT-system-related-convictions-overturned">Five more subpostmasters have IT system-related convictions overturned</a></li> <li>October 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366553642/Government-breached-privacy-of-Horizon-victims-with-compensation-offer-says-lawyer">Government ‘breached privacy’ of Horizon victims with compensation offer</a>.</li> <li>October 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366553756/First-subpostmaster-Horizon-conviction-overturned-in-Scotland">First subpostmaster Horizon conviction overturned in Scotland</a>.</li> <li>October 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366554152/Amnesia-hides-names-of-individuals-behind-Post-Offices-head-on-a-spike-strategy">Amnesia hides names of individuals behind Post Office’s ‘head on a spike’ strategy</a>.</li> <li>October 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366555336/Angry-lawyer-warned-against-Post-Office-computer-investigation-in-2010-email">‘Angry’ lawyer warned against Post Office computer investigation in 2010 email</a>.</li> <li>October 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366555682/Former-Post-Office-executive-admits-he-wouldnt-sign-unfair-contract-he-pushed-on-subpostmasters">Former Post Office executive admits he wouldn’t sign unfair contract he pushed on subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>October 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366556296/Post-Office-auditors-presumed-subpostmasters-were-on-the-fiddle-or-in-a-muddle">Post Office auditors presumed subpostmasters were ‘on the fiddle’ or ‘in a muddle’</a>.</li> <li>October 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366556653/Taxpayers-to-fund-a-further-150m-for-Post-Office-IT-scandal">Bill for the scandal over £1bn, as campaign leader considers private prosecutions of Post Office executives</a>.</li> <li>November 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366558553/Post-Office-disclosure-failures-delay-Horizon-scandal-inquiry-again">Post Office disclosure failures delay Horizon scandal inquiry again</a>.</li> <li>November 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366558733/Former-Post-Office-manager-has-no-memory-of-preparing-witness-statement-in-legal-dispute">Former Post Office manager has no memory of preparing witness statement in legal dispute</a>.</li> <li>November 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366559812/Post-Office-scandal-inquiry-postpones-more-key-witness-hearings">Post Office scandal inquiry postpones more key witness hearings</a>.</li> <li>November 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366560655/Controversial-Fujitsu-contract-with-Post-Office-extended-again">Controversial Fujitsu contract with Post Office extended again</a>.</li> <li>November 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366561353/CCRC-refers-two-posthumous-subpostmaster-appeals-to-Crown-Court">CCRC refers posthumous appeals against convictions to Crown Court for first time</a>.</li> <li>November 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366561493/Paulla-Vennells-email-fuelled-Post-Office-Horizon-cult-inquiry-told">Paula Vennells’ email fuelled Post Office Horizon cult, inquiry told</a>.</li> <li>November 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366561572/Slow-government-response-to-Post-Office-scandal-compensation-forces-new-legislation">Slow government response to Post Office scandal compensation forces new legislation</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366561574/Post-Office-lawyer-with-his-fingerprints-are-all-over-IT-scandal-spreads-blame">Post Office lawyer with his fingerprints all over IT scandal spreads blame</a></li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366562072/Undisclosed-document-could-reveal-pressure-on-Fujitsu-expert-witness-in-Post-Office-prosecution">Undisclosed document could reveal pressure on Fujitsu expert witness in Post Office prosecution</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366562217/Money-at-heart-of-Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-blame">Post Office prioritised its ‘bottom line’ over justice</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366562653/Former-Post-Office-investigator-called-subpostmaster-campaigners-crooks">Former Post Office investigator called subpostmaster campaigners ‘crooks’</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366563257/Current-Post-Office-executive-in-denial-of-Horizon-cover-up">Current Post Office executive in denial of Horizon cover-up</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366563400/Government-advised-to-overturn-all-Post-Office-scandal-convictions">Government advised to overturn all Post Office scandal convictions</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366563893/Government-reveals-its-own-slow-progress-in-compensating-Post-Office-scandal-victims">Government reveals its own slow progress in compensating Post Office scandal victims</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366564035/No-hiding-place-for-those-responsible-for-Post-Office-Horizon-scandal">‘No hiding place’ for those responsible for Post Office Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>December 2023: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366564173/Post-Office-gets-government-handout-as-Horizon-replacement-costs-increase-significantly">Post Office gets government handout as Horizon replacement costs increase ‘significantly’</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366565512/Metropolitan-Police-launches-second-criminal-investigation-in-Post-Office-scandal">Metropolitan Police launches second criminal investigation in Post Office scandal</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366565613/Post-Office-scandal-furore-is-moment-to-change-digital-evidence-rules">The current rules around digital evidence are partly to blame for the widest miscarriage of justice in UK history</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366565715/Fujitsu-gets-stay-of-execution-as-MPs-support-exoneration-of-wrongfully-convicted-subpostmasters">Fujitsu gets stay of execution as MPs support exoneration of wrongfully convicted subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366565752/Hero-subpostmaster-accuses-government-of-diversion-tactics-through-weaselly-statistics">‘Hero’ subpostmaster accuses government of diversion tactics through ‘weaselly’ statistics</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366565720/How-Fujitsu-became-a-central-part-of-the-Post-Office-scandal">How Fujitsu became a central part of the Post Office scandal</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366565784/Hundreds-of-subpostmasters-to-have-convictions-quashed-in-blanket-exoneration">The government has chosen to introduce legislation that will enable it to exonerate hundreds of subpostmasters as a group</a></li> <li>January 2024: <a href="file:///C:/Users/kflinders/Desktop/Working%20on/How%20legal%20disclosure%20failures%20disrupted%20the%20Post%20Office%20Horizon%20inquiry">How legal disclosure failures disrupted the Post Office Horizon inquiry</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366566438/Fujitsu-morally-obliged-to-contribute-to-subpostmaster-financial-redress-amid-insane-delays">Fujitsu ‘morally obliged’ to contribute to subpostmaster financial redress amid ‘insane’ delays</a></li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366566755/More-than-900-subpostmaster-convictions-wouldnt-have-happened-without-Post-Office-backed-law-change">More than 900 subpostmaster convictions wouldn’t have happened without Post Office-backed law change</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366566772/Anger-sparked-by-TV-drama-forces-Fujitsu-to-put-public-sector-contract-bidding-on-hold">Anger sparked by TV drama forces Fujitsu to put public sector contract bidding on hold</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366566859/Fujitsu-boss-describes-Post-Office-behaviour-as-shameful%20and%20appalling">Fujitsu boss describes Post Office behaviour as ‘shameful and appalling’</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366566896/Fujitsu-boss-admits-to-missed-opportunities-to-prevent-miscarriages-of-justice">Fujitsu boss admits to missed opportunities to prevent miscarriages of justice</a> </li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366566896/Fujitsu-boss-admits-to-missed-opportunities-to-prevent-miscarriages-of-justice">Concerns of an expert witness in subpostmaster trials were ignored by Fujitsu</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366567032/Urgent-question-asks-which-ministers-knew-of-Post-Offices-shocking-plan-to-remove-judge">Urgent question asks which ministers knew of Post Office's shocking plan to remove judge</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366567093/Fujitsu-agrees-to-support-former-subpostmasters-families-beyond-financial-redress">Fujitsu agrees to support former subpostmasters’ families beyond financial redress</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366567433/Committee-chair-asks-minister-to-back-Mr-Bates-clause-in-Post-Office-compensation-legislation">Committee chair asks minister to back ‘Mr Bates clause’ in Post Office compensation legislation</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366567874/Expert-IT-witness-outsmarted-an-aggressive-Post-Office-to-get-to-truth-after-inspection-madness">Expert IT witness outsmarted an ‘aggressive’ Post Office to get to truth after inspection ‘madness’</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366568092/MP-demands-answers-from-government-minister-over-second-faulty-Post-Office-IT-system">MP demands answers from government minister over second faulty Post Office IT system</a>.</li> <li>January 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366568333/Pre-Horizon-users-contacting-lawyers-as-more-Post-Office-IT-horror-stories-emerge">Pre-Horizon users contacting lawyers as more Post Office IT horror stories emerge</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366568552/Government-dragging-it-out-by-refusing-to-share-knowledge-of-Post-Office-trial-delaying-tactic">Government ‘dragging it out’ by refusing to share knowledge of Post Office trial ‘delaying tactic’</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366568812/People-are-now-listening-Post-Office-inquiry-told-as-latest-phase-ends">‘People are now listening,' Post Office inquiry told as latest phase ends</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366568954/Post-Office-scandal-phase-fours-rogues-gallery">Post Office scandal: Phase four’s rogues’ gallery</a></li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366569712/More-than-1000-subpostmasters-could-have-used-second-faulty-Post-Office-system">More than 1,000 subpostmasters could have used second faulty Post Office system</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Post-Office-Horizon-IT-scandal-inquiry-Two-years-of-shocking-revelations">Post Office Horizon IT scandal inquiry: Two years of shocking revelations</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366569873/Post-Office-CEO-refused-to-meet-government-minister-without-her-lawyer-after-2015-Horizon-report">Post Office CEO refused to meet government minister without her lawyer after 2015 Horizon report</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366570054/Post-Office-IT-insider-and-the-software-decision-that-lit-the-Horizon-scandal">Post Office IT insider and the software decision that lit the Horizon scandal</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366570413/Controversial-Post-Office-Capture-system-was-developed-in-house">Controversial Post Office Capture system was developed in-house</a></li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571076/Law-to-clear-hundreds-of-wrongfully-convicted-subpostmasters-expected-In-July?_gl=1*d95qqy*_ga*Nzg3MzQ4Njc1LjE3MDc4MTY3Njg.*_ga_TQKE4GS5P9*MTcwODg4MzMxMC41Mi4xLjE3MDg4ODM5NjAuMC4wLjA.">Law to clear hundreds of wrongfully convicted subpostmasters expected in July</a></li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366570712/Unisys-investigating-potential-involvement-in-controversial-Post-Office-system">Unisys investigating potential involvement in controversial Post Office system</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571135/King-Charles-strips-disgraced-Post-Office-CEO-of-her-CBE">King Charles strips disgraced Post Office CEO of her CBE</a></li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571354/Post-Office-scandal-roundup-fourth-estate-in-full-throttle">Post Office scandal roundup: Fourth Estate in full throttle</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571394/Government-wont-rush-to-include-Post-Office-Capture-convictions-in-overturning-legislation">Government won’t rush to include Post Office Capture convictions in overturning legislation</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571363/Government-should-face-legal-deadlines-on-paying-Post-Office-victims">Government should face legal deadlines on paying Post Office victims</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571692/Pathetic-Post-Office-spat-detracts-attention-and-fuels-disdain-for-authority">‘Pathetic’ Post Office spat detracts attention and fuels ‘disdain’ for authority</a>.</li> <li>February 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571653/Post-Office-CEOs-Capture-investigation-claims-questioned">Post Office CEO’s claim to be ‘working hard’ on Capture investigation in doubt</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571913/MPs-demand-Fujitsu-be-nailed-down-on-financial-promise-to-Post-Office-scandal-victims">MPs demand Fujitsu be ‘nailed down’ on financial promise to Post Office scandal victims</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571992/Post-Office-staff-conspired-to-pervert-the-course-of-justice-says-KC">KC names Post Office staff he believes conspired to pervert the course of justice</a></li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366572232/Perverting-course-of-justice-and-contempt-of-Parliament-a-week-in-post-drama-Post-Office-scandal">Perverting course of justice and contempt of Parliament: a week in post-drama Post Office scandal</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366572277/Post-Office-prosecutions-during-Horizon-go-live-phase-are-frightening">Post Office prosecutions during Horizon go-live phase are ‘frightening’</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366572513/Brutal-decisions-required-to-sort-out-Post-Office-mess-says-select-committee-chair">‘Brutal’ decisions required to sort out Post Office mess, says select committee chair</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366572633/MPs-call-for-Post-Office-exclusion-from-compensation-schemes-as-trust-hits-rock-bottom">MPs call for Post Office exclusion from compensation schemes, as trust hits rock bottom</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366572692/Fujitsu-should-pay-half-of-Post-Office-scandal-costs-says-MP">Fujitsu should pay half of Post Office scandal costs, says select committee chair</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366573252/Current-subpostmaster-account-shortfalls-reveal-extent-of-Post-Offices-pre-2019-neglect">Current subpostmaster account shortfalls reveal extent of Post Office’s pre-2019 neglect</a></li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366573392/Unprecedented-bill-to-exonerate-hundreds-of-wrongly-convicted-Post-office-workers-arrives">Unprecedented bill to exonerate hundreds of wrongly convicted Post Office workers arrives</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366573533/Children-of-Post-Office-victims-form-group-to-hold-Fujitsu-boss-to-his-word">Children of Post Office victims to hold Fujitsu boss to his word</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366573602/Controversial-Post-Office-Capture-software-was-completely-rewritten-in-1994">Controversial Post Office Capture software was completely rewritten in 1994</a></li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366574833/Post-Office-scandal-fallout-for-Fujitsu-could-open-UK-public-sector-to-Indian-giants">Post Office scandal fallout for Fujitsu could open UK public sector to Indian giants</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366575033/Post-Office-Capture-users-campaign-gathers-pace">Post Office Capture users’ campaign for justice gathers pace</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366575372/Sums-of-money-Post-Office-stole-from-subpostmasters-may-never-be-known">Sums of money Post Office ‘stole’ from subpostmasters may never be known</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366575495/Leaked-comms-reveal-Fujitsu-eyeing-huge-UK-government-bounty-despite-Post-Office-scandal-promise">Leaked comms reveal Fujitsu eyeing huge UK government bounty</a>.</li> <li>March 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366575754/Remote-access-is-the-Post-Offices-known-unknown">Remote access is the Post Office’s known unknown</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366577734/Fujitsu-staff-instructed-how-to-bid-for-government-contracts-during-self-imposed-ban">Fujitsu staff instructed how to bid for government contracts during self-imposed ban</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366579492/Fujitsu-should-stop-bending-rules-stop-bidding-and-pay-up-says-MP">Fujitsu should stop bending rules, stop bidding and pay up, says MP</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366579713/Environment-Agency-dumps-Fujitsu-in-sign-of-Post-Office-scandal-taking-its-toll">Environment Agency dumps Fujitsu as Post Office scandal takes its toll</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366579994/MPs-will-grill-Cabinet-Office-over-Fujitsu-contract-bidding-pause">MPs will grill Cabinet Office over Fujitsu contract bidding pause</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580055/Some-former-Post-Office-staff-should-be-jailed-over-scandal-says-government-minister">Some former Post Office staff should be jailed over scandal, says government minister</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580033/Further-extension-to-controversial-Post-Office-contract-with-Fujitsu-inevitable">Further extension to controversial Post Office contract with Fujitsu inevitable</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580240/Civil-servants-more-to-blame-for-Post-Office-cover-up-than-ministers-says-Alan-Bates">Civil servants more to blame for Post Office cover-up than ministers, says Alan Bates</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580376/Subpostmasters-stealing-from-branches-didnt-make-sense-former-judge-tells-inquiry">Subpostmasters stealing from branches ‘didn’t make sense,’ former judge tells inquiry</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580532/Fujitsu-public-sector-contracts-dry-up-in-Post-Office-scandal-aftermath">Fujitsu public sector contracts dry up in Post Office scandal aftermath</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580442/Former-Post-Office-executives-neglect-prolonged-Horizon-reliability-myth">Former Post Office executive’s neglect prolonged Horizon reliability myth</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580563/Post-Office-boss-said-subpostmasters-had-hands-in-till-and-blamed-technology-for-missing-cash">Post Office boss said subpostmasters had hands in till and blamed technology</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580983/Alan%20Bates%20and%20JFSA%20won%E2%80%99t%20back%20down%20in%20fight%20with%20government%20and%20Post%20Office">Alan Bates and JFSA won’t back down in fight with government and Post Office</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580983/Post-Office-boss-signed-off-hush-money-to-cover-up-smoking-gun">Post Office boss signed off hush money to cover up smoking gun </a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366581297/IT-expert-who-helped-expose-Post-Office-scandal-offers-to-investigate-second-controversial-system">IT expert who helped expose Post Office scandal offers to investigate second controversial system</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366581519/Unisys-reveals-no-link-to-development-of-controversial-Post-Office-software">Unisys reveals no link to development of controversial Post Office software</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366581672/Post-Office-lawyer-was-a-jack-of-all-trades-but-failed-his-own">Post Office lawyer was a jack of all trades, but failed his own</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366581777/Fujitsu-UK-to-cut-UK-jobs-as-Post-Office-scandal-fallout-hits-sales">Fujitsu to cut UK jobs as Post Office scandal fallout hits sales</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366581895/Expert-investigating-Capture-system-refuses-to-meet-untrustworthy-Post-Office">Expert investigating Capture system refuses to meet ‘untrustworthy’ Post Office</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366581954/Post-Office-boss-used-husbands-descriptions-in-Orwellian-ploy-to-downplay-Horizon-problems">Post Office boss used husband’s descriptions in 'Orwellian' ploy to downplay Horizon problems</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366582013/Lords-debate-amendment-to-law-on-use-of-computer-evidence-in-light-of-Post-Office-scandal">Lords debate amendment to law on use of computer evidence in light of Post Office scandal</a></li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366582214/More-evidence-emerges-that-Post-Office-executive-misled-High-Court-judge">More evidence emerges that Post Office executive misled High Court judge</a>. </li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366582332/Post-Office-lied-to-subpostmasters-when-forced-to-meet-them-says-former-federation-representative">Post Office ‘lied’ to subpostmasters when forced to meet them, says former federation representative</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366582452/Post-Office-scheme-was-a-charade-that-never-intended-for-large-compensation-pay-outs">Post Office scheme was a ‘charade’ that never intended for large compensation pay-outs</a>.</li> <li>April 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366582732/Post-Office-misjudged-campaigner-it-labelled-a-bluffer">Post Office misjudged campaigner it labelled a ‘bluffer’</a></li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366583159/Post-Office-investigators-saw-subpostmasters-as-enemies-and-thats-what-they-became">Post Office investigators saw subpostmasters as ‘enemies’ – and that’s what they became</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366583452/Post-Office-legal-boss-withheld-details-from-statutory-body-reviewing-miscarriages-of-justice">Post Office legal boss withheld details from statutory body reviewing miscarriages of justice</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366583303/Police-told-in-2016-that-Post-Office-prosecutor-withheld-evidence-of-Horizon-errors-from-court">Police told in 2016 that Post Office prosecutor withheld evidence of Horizon errors from court</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366583912/Fujitsus-Post-Office-Horizon-admission-was-bombshell-amid-religious-panic-over-reliability">Fujitsu Post Office system admission was ‘bombshell’ to barrister</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-explained-everything-you-need-to-know">Barrister says Post Office lawyers misled him over Horizon cases</a></li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366584740/Scotlands-Post-Office-scandal-victims-to-be-exonerated-en-masse">Scotland’s Post Office scandal victims to be exonerated en masse</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366585307/Comms-director-at-centre-of-cover-up-never-thought-Post-Office-were-the-baddies">Comms director at centre of cover-up never thought Post Office were the ‘baddies’</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366584810/Post-Office-IT-boss-failed-to-raise-concern-over-false-Horizon-statements">Post Office IT boss failed to raise concern over false Horizon statements</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366585694/Post-Office-considered-asking-Computer-Weekly-to-review-Horizon-IT-system">Post Office considered asking Computer Weekly to review Horizon IT system</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366585733/Post-Office-CEO-Paula-Vennells-didnt-believe-there-were-miscarriages-of-justice-inquiry-told">Post Office CEO Paula Vennells ‘didn’t believe there were miscarriages of justice’</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366585779/The-fall-from-grace-of-ex-priest-and-Post-Office-boss-Paula-Vennells">The fall from grace of ex-priest and Post Office boss Paula Vennells</a></li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366585812/Post-Office-directors-went-crawling-back-to-Fujitsu-when-IBM-project-got-complex">Post Office directors went crawling back to Fujitsu when IBM project got complex, inquiry told</a></li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366585863/You-knew-former-ally-accused-Paula-Vennells-of-knowing-about-Horizon-problems">'You knew' - former ally accused Paula Vennells of knowing about Horizon problems</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586015/Third-police-probe-into-Post-Office-scandal-under-consideration">Third police probe into Post Office scandal under consideration</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586256/Government-was-aware-of-Post-Office-strategy-to-fight-subpostmasters">Government knew of Post Office plan to remove judge</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586242/Paula-Vennells-boasted-about-removing-Horizon-risk-reference-in-Royal-Mail-flotation-prospectus">Paula Vennells boasted about removing Horizon risk reference in Royal Mail flotation prospectus</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586358/Over-700-wrongful-subpostmaster-convictions-overturned-by-new-legislation">Over 700 subpostmasters exonerated by new legislation</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586398/Post-Office-scandal-Met-Police-investigation-set-to-go-national">Met Police investigation set to go national</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586399/Government-appoints-investigators-to-analyse-Post-Office-Capture-software-used-before-Horizon">Government appoints investigators to analyse Post Office Capture software used before Horizon</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366586814/Post-Office-Horizon-replacement-project-labelled-unachievable-as-taxpayer-bill-reaches-1bn">Post Office Horizon replacement project labelled 'unachievable' as taxpayer bill reaches £1bn</a>.</li> <li>May 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366587174/Fujitsu-set-for-further-180m-deal-as-Post-Office-Horizon-replacement-delayed">Fujitsu set for further £180m deal as Post Office Horizon replacement delayed</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366587652/Post-Office-bosses-misled-subpostmasters-day-before-IT-project-problems-exposed">Post Office bosses misled subpostmasters a day before IT project problems were exposed</a></li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366587793/Subpostmasters-consider-legal-action-against-government-in-pursuit-of-financial-redress">Subpostmasters may take legal action against government in pursuit of financial redress</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366587816/Post-Office-chair-was-aware-of-Horizon-concerns-from-day-one">Post Office chair was aware of Horizon concerns from day one but failed to act</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366587837/Mystery-Post-Office-software-developer-revealed-in-1995-Horizon-project-document">Mystery Post Office software developer revealed in 1995 Horizon project document</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366587935/Fujitsu-had-Post-Office-over-a-barrel-inquiry-told">Fujitsu had Post Office ‘over a barrel’, inquiry told</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366588592/Post-Office-Capture-software-training-deficit-echoes-systemic-Horizon-problems">Post Office Capture software training deficit echoes systemic Horizon problems</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366588662/IT-witness-hidden-away-from-Post-Office-court-battle-supported-it-from-shadows">IT witness was hidden away from Post Office court battle, but supported it from shadows</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366588932/Post-Office-scandal-victims-in-Scotland-have-convictions-quashed">Post Office scandal victims in Scotland have convictions quashed</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366588822/Once-ridiculed-Post-Office-scandal-campaigner-Alan-Bates-receives-knighthood">Once ridiculed Post Office scandal campaigner Alan Bates receives knighthood</a></li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366589578/Post-Office-and-Fujitsu-had-tense-relationship-but-were-joined-at-hip-when-protecting-their-brands">Post Office and Fujitsu had tense relationship, but were joined at hip when protecting their brands</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366589422/Sir-Alan-Bates-hits-out-at-Post-Office-incompetence-after-data-breach">Sir Alan Bates hits out at Post Office ‘incompetence’ after data breach</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366589716/Metropolitan-Police-set-to-investigate-one-of-its-own-staff-in-Post-Office-probe">Metropolitan Police could investigate one of its own staff in Post Office probe</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366589563/Post-Office-expert-IT-witness-Gareth-Jenkins-resigns-BCS-membership">Post Office expert IT witness Gareth Jenkins resigns BCS membership</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366589775/Numbers-prove-former-subpostmaster-federation-bosss-ignorance-over-Post-Office-scandal">Numbers prove former subpostmaster federation boss’s ignorance over Post Office scandal</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366591596/Ignorance-of-legal-niceties-from-Post-Office-expert-IT-witness-saw-innocent-people-jailed">Ignorance of ‘legal niceties’ from Post Office expert IT witness saw innocent people jailed</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366590300/Experts-shocked-by-extraordinary-claim-made-by-Post-Office-IT-expert-witness">Experts shocked by ‘extraordinary’ claim made by Post Office IT expert witness</a>.</li> <li>June 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366592093/Former-Fujitsu-engineer-says-Post-Office-trapped-him-into-giving-incomplete-evidence">Former Fujitsu engineer says Post Office ‘trapped’ him into giving incomplete evidence</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366592443/Former-Post-Office-chair-regrets-keeping-critical-Horizon-report-secret">Former Post Office chair 'regrets' keeping critical Horizon report secret</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366592775/Sir-Alan-Bates-welcomes-MPs-elevation-to-House-of-Lords">Sir Alan Bates welcomes MP’s elevation to House of Lords</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366592917/Government-left-monitoring-of-Post-Office-to-luck">Government left monitoring of Post Office to ‘luck’</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366593212/Civil-servant-was-lone-voice-on-Post-Office-board-to-query-legal-plan-that-blew-taxpayers-cash">Civil servant was lone voice on Post Office board to query legal plan that blew taxpayers’ cash</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366593732/Civil-servant-said-subpostmasters-threat-of-legal-action-was-sabre-rattling">Civil servant said subpostmasters’ threat of legal action was ‘sabre-rattling’</a></li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366593992/Fujitsu-analyst-gave-witness-statements-when-more-qualified-colleagues-refused">Fujitsu analyst gave witness statements when more qualified colleagues refused</a></li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366593992/Fujitsu-analyst-gave-witness-statements-when-more-qualified-colleagues-refused">Fujitsu analyst gave witness statements when more qualified colleagues refused</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366596078/Government-trusted-abuser-over-the-abused-on-Post-Office-scandal">Government trusted ‘abuser’ over the abused on Post Office scandal</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366596372/Ed-Davey-and-Jo-Swinson-handled-by-civil-servants-in-Post-Office-cover-up-says-Sir-Alan-Bates">Ed Davey and Jo Swinson ‘handled’ by civil servants in Post Office cover-up, says Sir Alan Bates</a></li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366596397/Former-minster-felt-she-was-fighting-department-over-Post-Office-controversy">Former minister felt she was fighting department over Post Office controversy</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366596559/Post-Office-acted-the-victim-and-civil-servants-abandoned-their-principles-says-former-minister">Post Office ‘acted the victim’ and civil servants ‘abandoned their principles’, says former minister</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366598430/Vince-Cable-says-the-Post-Office-lied-to-the-government-over-Horizon-issues">Vince Cable says the Post Office ‘lied’ to the government over Horizon issues</a>.</li> <li>July 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366599254/Government-commits-at-least-540m-to-financial-redress-for-wrongfully-convicted-Post-Office-staff">Government commits at least £540m to financial redress for wrongfully convicted Post Office staff</a></li> <li>August 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366599673/Post-Office-scandal-Phases-5-and-6-had-islands-of-conscientiousness-in-great-depths-of-neglect">Post Office scandal: Phases 5 and 6 had islands of conscientiousness in great depths of neglect</a></li> <li>August 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366603062/Post-Office-brings-in-new-IT-chief-as-it-awaits-funding-for-Horizon-replacement">Post Office brings in new IT chief as it awaits funding for Horizon replacement</a></li> <li>August 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366605718/Post-Office-systems-crash-hits-collapsing-Horizon-system">Post Office systems crash hits 'collapsing' Horizon system</a></li> <li>August 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366608479/Post-Office-apologises-for-IT-problem-text-alert-that-was-never-sent">Post Office apologises for IT problem text alert that was never sent</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366609561/Post-Office-and-Fujitsu-malevolence-and-incompetence-means-huge-final-taxpayers-bill">Post Office and Fujitsu malevolence means huge taxpayers’ bill</a></li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366609960/Post-Office-scandal-victims-given-route-to-appeal-unfair-financial-settlements">Post Office scandal victims given route to appeal unfair financial settlements</a></li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366610126/Fujitsu-cuts-annual-staff-pay-rise-as-Post-Office-scandal-bites">Fujitsu UK staff won’t receive annual pay rise as Post Office scandal bites</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366609946/Under-pressure-Post-Office-botches-hardware-procurement-in-project-to-replace-error-prone-system">Under-pressure Post Office botches hardware procurement in project to replace error-prone system</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366610515/Government-receives-report-on-second-controversial-Post-Office-IT-system">Government receives report on second controversial Post Office IT system</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366610815/Fujitsu-loses-50m-in-sales-after-Post-Office-scandal-furore">Fujitsu loses £50m in sales after Post Office scandal furore</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611132/Post-Office-chief-executive-Nick-Read-quits">Post Office chief executive Nick Read quits</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611257/Post-Office-scandal-victim-becomes-first-to-receive-600000-under-new-redress-scheme">Post Office scandal victim becomes first to receive £600,000 under new redress scheme</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611555/Post-Office-system-still-causing-unexplained-Horizon-shortfalls-for-half-of-subpostmasters">Post Office system still causing unexplained shortfalls for over half of subpostmasters</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611383/Fujitsu-addresses-financial-challenge-doubts-over-commitment-to-righting-Post-Office-wrongs">Fujitsu faces financial challenges, with doubts over its commitment to righting Post Office wrongs</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611619/Post-Office-IT-departments-focus-on-chasing-a-discount-meant-botched-procurement">Post Office IT department’s focus on chasing a discount meant botched procurement</a></li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611835/Post-Office-IT-procurement-mess-saw-35m-spent-on-air-conditioner-says-board-member">Post Office IT procurement mess saw £35m spent on air conditioner, says board member</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612032/Fujitsu-accused-of-paying-lip-service-to-Post-Office-scandal-victims">Fujitsu accused of ‘paying lip service’ to Post Office scandal victims</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612054/Subpostmasters-living-years-with-disputed-but-unresolved-debts-to-the-Post-Office-inquiry-told">Subpostmasters living years with disputed but unresolved debts to the Post Office, inquiry told</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366611858/More-parallels-between-Post-Office-Capture-and-Horizon-scandal-revealed">More parallels between Post Office Capture and Horizon scandal revealed</a>.</li> <li>September 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612292/Investigation-finds-reasonable-likelihood-Post-Office-Capture-software-caused-accounting-losses">Investigation finds ‘reasonable likelihood’ Post Office Capture software caused accounting losses</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612692/Post-Office-spending-80000-a-week-on-engineers-who-cant-work-as-IT-project-burns-cash">Post Office spending £80,000+ a week on engineers who can’t work, as IT project burns cash</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612637/Post-Office-and-Fujitsu-from-blood-brothers-to-bad-blood">Post Office and Fujitsu: from blood brothers to bad blood</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612718/Late-evidence-in-Post-Office-Capture-investigation-could-not-be-reviewed">Late evidence in Post Office Capture investigation could not be reviewed</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612738/Post-Office-recruiting-tech-savvy-board-member-amid-unravelling-IT-disaster">Post Office recruiting tech-savvy board member amid unravelling IT disaster</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612666/Post-Office-senior-executive-suspended-over-allegations-of-destroying-evidence">Post Office senior executive suspended over allegations of destroying evidence</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612955/Whistleblowers-call-out-ongoing-cover-up-by-Post-Office-CEO-in-explosive-letter">Whistleblowers call out ongoing cover-up by Post Office CEO in explosive letter</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612789/Post-Office-boss-Nick-Read-Inadequate-greedy-and-self-interested-whistleblowers-tell-inquiry">Post Office boss Nick Read ‘inadequate, greedy and self-interested’, whistleblowers tell inquiry</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612938/Can-the-Post-Office-project-to-replace-Horizon-be-rescued">Can the Post Office project to replace Horizon be rescued?</a></li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612944/Post-Office-IT-transformation-project-was-set-up-to-fail-chairman-tells-inquiry">Post Office IT transformation project was ‘set up to fail’, chairman tells inquiry</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613118/Under-fire-Nick-Read-was-unprepared-for-Post-Office-challenge">Under-fire Nick Read was unprepared for Post Office challenge</a></li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613372/Post-Office-dragging-its-feet-getting-rid-of-tainted-staff-despite-government-green-light">Post Office dragging its feet getting rid of tainted staff, despite government ‘green light’</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613500/Post-Office-believes-it-took-36m-from-subpostmasters-with-unexplained-losses">Post Office believes it took £36m from subpostmasters with unexplained losses</a></li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613496/Post-Office-set-to-axe-in-house-development-for-NBIT-software">Post Office set to axe in-house-developed New Branch IT software</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613852/Former-police-officer-heading-Post-Office-operations-dd-nothing-to-help-innocent-subpostmasters">Former police officer heading Post Office operations did nothing to help innocent subpostmasters</a></li> <li>October 2014: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613894/Sir-Alan-Bates-tells-prime-minister-to-guarantee-Post-Office-scandal-victim-redress-by-March-2025">Sir Alan Bates tells Prime Minister to guarantee Post Office scandal victim redress by March 2025</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614033/Met-Police-investigating-senior-Post-Office-worker-over-evidence-destruction-allegation">Met Police investigating senior Post Office worker over evidence destruction allegation</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614193/Late-evidence-review-doesnt-change-Post-office-Capture-system-report">Review of late evidence doesn’t change Post Office Capture system report</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613941/Post-Office-worker-who-allegedly-told-staff-to-destroy-evidence-could-return-as-police-investigate">Post Office worker who allegedly told staff to destroy evidence could return to work</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366613750/Former-Post-Office-IT-boss-alleged-to-have-misrepresented-alternative-to-in-house-build">Former Post Office IT boss alleged to have misrepresented alternative to in-house build</a></li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614104/Change-to-rules-on-computer-evidence-will-be-an-outcome-of-Post-Office-scandal">Change to rules on computer evidence will be an ‘outcome’ of Post Office scandal</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614435/Federation-requests-government-investigation-into-third-Post-Office-branch-system">Federation requests government investigation into third Post Office branch system</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614572/Warning-shots-fired-as-former-subpostmasters-have-useful-meeting-with-Post-Office-CEO">Warning shots fired as former subpostmasters have ‘useful’ meeting with Post Office CEO</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614227/Government-urged-to-overturn-all-convictions-based-on-Post-Office-Capture">Government ‘urged’ to overturn all convictions based on Post Office Capture</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614717/Who-is-the-subject-of-the-Post-Offices-Project-Tiger-investigation">Who is the subject of the Post Office’s Project Tiger investigation?</a></li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614808/No-simple-replacement-to-digital-evidence-rules-says-Post-Office-Horizon-trial-judge">No simple replacement for digital evidence rules, says Post Office Horizon trial judge</a>.</li> <li>October 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614811/Fujitsu-boss-to-face-tough-reappearance-at-Post-Office-inquiry-following-inaction-and-sidestepping">Fujitsu boss to face tough reappearance at Post Office inquiry, following inaction and sidestepping</a>. </li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614725/Post-Office-scandal-affected-relationships-of-two-thirds-of-victims">Post Office scandal affected relationships of two-thirds of victims</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366614908/Governments-600000-offer-to-Horizon-scandal-victims-was-political">Government’s £600,000 offer to Horizon scandal victims was ‘political’</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615136/Botched-Post-Office-website-upgrade-caused-serious-data-breach">Post Office data breach caused by botched website upgrade</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615163/Post-Office-was-reluctant-to-cut-costs-despite-143-central-staff-earning-more-than-100k">Post Office was reluctant to cut costs despite 143 central staff earning more than £100k</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615244/Post-Office-appointing-third-party-reviewer-of-current-Horizon-system">Post Office appointing third-party reviewer of current Horizon system</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615285/Post-Office-wrongly-used-public-funds-to-pay-for-legal-battle">Post Office wrongly used public funds to pay for legal battle</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615381/Government-announces-Green-Paper-on-future-of-scandal-ridden-Post-Office">Government announces Green Paper on future of scandal-ridden Post Office</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615494/Post-Office-scandal-not-caused-by-software-errors-says-combative-Fujitsu-boss">Post Office scandal not caused by software errors, says combative Fujitsu boss</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615655/Post-Office-requested-four-year-Horizon-extension-as-Fujitsu-boss-arrived-at-public-inquiry">Post Office requested four-year Horizon extension, as Fujitsu boss arrived at public inquiry</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615973/Post-Office-to-decide-on-Horizon-before-April-Fujitsu-board-considers-final-contract-extension">Post Office to decide on Horizon before April, Fujitsu board considers final contract extension</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615957/Post-Office-IT-boss-calls-for-subpostmasters-to-judge-him-on-his-actions">Post Office IT boss calls for subpostmasters to judge him on his actions</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615956/Post-Office-scandal-Inquirys-final-phase-exposes-dysfunction-past-and-present">Post Office scandal: Inquiry’s final phase exposes dysfunction past and present</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366615867/Post-Office-is-paying-lawyers-too-much-admits-minister">Post Office is paying lawyers too much, admits minister</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616054/Subpostmasters-hit-by-Post-Office-scandal-plan-to-meet-over-nuclear-option">Subpostmasters hit by Post Office scandal plan to meet over ‘nuclear option’</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616132/Post-Office-project-taking-control-of-Horizon-data-from-Fujitsu-as-part-of-messy-split">Post Office project taking control of Horizon data from Fujitsu as part of messy split</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616292/Fujitsu-snubbed-on-private-sector-deal-with-Centrica-due-to-Post-Office-scandal-backlash">Fujitsu snubbed on private sector deal with Centrica due to Post Office scandal backlash</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Post-Office-Horizon-IT-scandal-inquiry-Two-years-of-shocking-revelations">Post Office Horizon IT scandal inquiry: Three years of shocking revelations</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616319/Government-looking-into-third-faulty-Post-Office-IT-system">Government looking into third faulty Post Office IT system</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616259/Convictions-of-Post-Office-Capture-system-users-to-be-reviewed-by-statutory-body">Convictions of Post Office Capture system users to be reviewed by statutory body</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616303/Post-Office-scandal-How-much-deeper-and-wider-can-it-get">Post Office scandal: How much deeper and wider can it get?</a></li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616357/Post-Office-scandal-redress-echoes-Windrush-compensation-problems">Post Office scandal redress echoes Windrush compensation problems</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616230/Post-Office-Capture-users-invited-to-pivotal-meeting-with-government">Post Office Capture users invited to pivotal meeting with government</a>.</li> <li>November 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616467/Fujitsus-charity-boss-made-redundant-while-Post-Office-scandal-victims-await-support">Fujitsu’s charity boss made redundant while Post Office scandal victims await support</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616872/Post-Office-Fujitsu-contract-extended-by-a-year-as-decision-time-looms">Post Office Fujitsu contract extended by a year as decision time looms</a></li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616977/Post-Office-senior-leadership-warned-of-IT-project-data-safeguarding-risk">Post Office senior leadership warned of IT project data safeguarding risk</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366616881/Controversial-Horizon-system-to-remain-in-Post-Office-branches-as-part-of-tech-fusion-says-source">Controversial Horizon system to remain in Post Office branches as part of tech ‘fusion’, says source</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617072/Police-not-ruling-any-person-or-crime-out-of-Post-Office-scandal-investigation">Police not ruling any person or crime out of Post Office scandal investigation</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617123/Post-Office-weaponised-IT-system-in-most-extensive-and-prolonged-miscarriage">Post Office ‘weaponised’ IT system in most ‘extensive and prolonged’ miscarriage</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617280/Government-promises-redress-and-justice-to-Post-Office-Capture-system-users">Government promises redress and justice to Post Office Capture system users</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617366/Post-Office-creates-CTO-role-to-support-extensive-and-complex-plans">Post Office creates CTO role to support ‘extensive and complex’ plans</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617210/Post-Office-IT-department-fired-and-rehired-friends-at-exorbitant-rates-says-former-HR-chief">Post Office IT department fired and rehired ‘friends’ at ‘exorbitant’ rates, says former HR chief</a>.</li> <li>December 2024: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617418/Post-Office-scandal-campaigners-awarded-OBEs-in-New-Year-Honours-List">Post Office scandal campaigners awarded OBEs in New Year Honours List</a>.</li> <li>January 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617566/Sir-Alan-Bates-has-serious-concerns-over-Post-Office-scandal-compensation-budget">Sir Alan Bates has ‘serious concerns’ over Post Office scandal compensation budget</a>.</li> <li>January 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617586/Post-Office-staff-list-14-scandal-stained-individuals-who-should-have-honours-stripped">Post Office staff list 14 scandal-stained individuals who should have honours stripped</a></li> <li>January 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617800/Former-subpostmasters-invited-to-take-part-in-Post-Office-Capture-compensation-scheme-development">Former subpostmasters invited to take part in Post Office Capture compensation scheme development</a>.</li> <li>January 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617852/Post-Office-scandal-stained-Fujitsu-orders-staff-to-cut-costs-amid-widening-UK-losses">Post Office scandal-stained Fujitsu orders staff to cut costs amid widening UK losses</a>.</li> <li>January 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366618072/Subpostmasters-wont-get-financial-redress-until-mid-2027-at-current-rate-of-progress">Subpostmasters won’t get financial redress until mid-2027 at current rate of progress</a></li> <li>January 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366618206/Government-calls-for-expert-views-on-computer-evidence-to-learn-lesson-from-Post-Office-scandal">Government calls for expert views on computer evidence to learn lesson from Post Office scandal</a></li> <li>January 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366618322/Review-of-legal-rule-on-computer-evidence-long-overdue-say-Post-Office-scandal-victims">Review of legal rule on computer evidence long overdue, say Post Office scandal victims</a>.</li> <li>February 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366618678/Government-failed-to-provide-accurate-cost-of-Post-Office-scandal-compensation">Government failed to provide accurate cost of Post Office scandal compensation</a>.</li> <li>February 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619235/CCRC-reviewing-17-Post-Office-convictions-with-potential-Capture-software-involvement">CCRC reviewing 17 Post Office convictions with potential Capture software involvement</a></li> <li>February 2025:<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619651/Positive-steps-in-redress-for-Post-Office-Capture-victims">’Positive steps’ in redress for Post Office Capture victims</a>.</li> <li>February 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619440/Fujitsus-600m-plus-prize-with-His-Majestys-cash-cow-in-2025">Fujitsu’s £600m-plus prize with His Majesty’s ‘cash cow’ in 2025</a>.</li> <li>February 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619680/Peer-demands-Fujitsu-cough-up-300m-interim-payment-towards-Post-Office-scandal-bill">Peer demands Fujitsu cough up £300m interim payment towards Post Office scandal bill</a>.</li> <li>February 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619806/Post-Office-makes-first-official-apology-to-Capture-users">Post Office makes first official apology to Capture users</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366619960/Metropolitan-Police-concern-puts-brakes-on-Post-Office-Horizon-data-migration">Metropolitan Police concern puts brakes on Post Office Horizon data migration</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620536/Government-announcement-on-Fujitsu-talks-add-vague-words-and-no-interim-payment">Government announcement on Fujitsu talks add ‘vague words’ and no interim payment</a></li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620384/Post-Office-scandal-data-leak-interim-compensation-offers-made">Post Office scandal data leak interim compensation offers made</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620854/Minister-asks-for-evidence-of-Post-Office-ECCO-system-problems">Minister asks for evidence of Post Office ECCO+ system problems</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620988/Former-subpostmaster-to-sue-Post-Office-and-Fujitsu-for-judgment-obtained-by-fraud">Former subpostmaster to sue Post Office and Fujitsu for judgment ‘obtained by fraud’</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366620910/Government-considering-redress-scheme-for-families-of-Post-Office-scandal-victims">Government considering redress scheme for families of Post Office scandal victims</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621213/MPs-demand-government-reconsider-response-to-Post-Office-compensation-report">MPs demand government reconsider response to Post Office compensation report</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621280/Kroll-reviewing-Post-Office-Horizons-current-integrity-and-discrepancy-identification?_gl=1*2lgjm8*_ga*MTEwNzM2MTI5My4xNzQyODE4ODQ3*_ga_TQKE4GS5P9*MTc0MzAwMjQ2Ny4xMy4xLjE3NDMwMDYxMzMuMC4wLjA.">Kroll reviewing Post Office Horizon’s current integrity and discrepancy identification</a>.</li> <li>March 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621762/Experts%20question%20court%E2%80%99s%20rejection%20of%20former%20Post%20Office%20manager%E2%80%99s%20Horizon%20appeal">Experts question court’s rejection of former Post Office manager’s Horizon appeal</a>.</li> <li>April 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621786/Scottish-support-group-for-Post-Office-scandal-victims-launched">Scottish support group for Post Office scandal victims launched</a>.</li> <li>April 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621800/Post-Office-Capture-and-ECCO-users-asked-to-make-contact-with-Scottish-statutory-body">Post Office Capture and Ecco+ users asked to make contact with Scottish statutory body</a>.</li> <li>April 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366622017/Post-Office-cant-find-evidence-for-over-1000-Horizon-scandal-redress-claimants">Post Office can’t find evidence for over 1,000 Horizon scandal redress claimants</a>.</li> <li>April 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366622179/Post-Office-gets-extra-136m-towards-tech-transformation-as-clock-ticks-on-Horizon?_gl=1*pgbh5m*_ga*MTEwNzM2MTI5My4xNzQyODE4ODQ3*_ga_TQKE4GS5P9*MTc0NDM2MTEwNy43MS4xLjE3NDQzNjU0NzkuMC4wLjA.">Post Office gets extra £136m towards tech transformation as clock ticks on Horizon</a>.</li> <li>April 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366622421/More-than-100-Horizon-victims-are-challenging-Post-Office-offers-on-complex-claims">More than 100 Horizon victims are challenging Post Office offers on complex claims</a></li> <li>April 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623124/Fujitsu-UK-staff-will-get-bonus-despite-Post-Office-scandal-fallout">Fujitsu UK staff will get bonus despite Post Office scandal fallout</a>.</li> <li>May 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623342/Progress-made-on-governments-Post-Office-Capture-redress-but-concerns-remain">Progress made on government’s Post Office Capture redress, but concerns remain</a>.</li> <li>May 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623751/Evidence-reveals-Post-Office-scandal-victims-short-changed-in-compensation-payouts">Evidence reveals Post Office scandal victims short-changed in compensation payouts</a>.</li> <li>May 2025: <a href="http://preview.pg.techtarget.com:8080/techtarget-ecm/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=41368aed229c6910VgnVCM1000003f80a50aRCRD&vgnextchannel=006c165cad300310VgnVCM1000000d01c80aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&appInstanceName=default&_dc=1747403318234&vgnextrefresh=1">Controversial Post Office Horizon system could stay until 2033</a>.</li> <li>May 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366623902/Post-Office-scandal-inquiry-to-publish-first-findings-this-summer">Post Office scandal inquiry to publish first findings this summer</a></li> <li>May 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624021/Post-Office-performs-costly-30-year-U-turn-on-Horizon">Post Office performs costly 30-year U-turn on Horizon</a></li> <li>May 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624005/Botched-Post-Office-IT-projects-continue-to-drain-public-purse">Botched Post Office IT projects continue to drain public purse</a>.</li> <li>May 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624141/Fujitsu-raked-in-80m-from-HMRC-in-March-alone-despite-Post-Office-scandal">Fujitsu raked in £80m from HMRC in March alone, despite Post Office scandal</a>.</li> <li>May 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366624967/Post-Office-slammed-after-deleting-social-media-comments-on-IT-scandal">Post Office slammed after deleting social media comments on IT scandal</a>.</li> <li>June 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366625541/Compensation-to-Post-Office-scandal-victims-reaches-1bn-milestone">Compensation to Post Office scandal victims reaches £1bn milestone</a></li> <li>June 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366625793/HMRC-paid-Fujitsu-315m-last-year-but-Post-Office-scandal-suppliers-UK-business-faces-gradual-de">HMRC paid Fujitsu £310m last year, but Post Office supplier’s UK business faces gradual decline</a></li> <li>June 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366626068/Government-announces-details-of-Post-Office-Capture-redress-scheme">Government announces details of Post Office Capture redress scheme</a></li> <li>June 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366626318/Report-on-integrity-of-the-current-Post-Office-Horizon-system-due-in-Autumn">Report on integrity of current Post Office Horizon system due in autumn</a>.</li> <li>June 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366626532/Wrongly-convicted-subpostmasters-may-have-to-wait-another-year-for-redress">MPs say the government has not done enough to contact all those who qualify for Post Office scandal compensation schemes</a>.</li> <li>June 2025: <a href="https://informaplc-my.sharepoint.com/personal/karl_flinders_informa_com/Documents/Desktop/Desktop/All%20stuff%20from%20desktops/Working%20on/The%20national%20police%20investigation%20into%20crimes%20related%20to%20the%20Post%20Office%20scandal%20expects%20the%20number%20of%20suspects%20to%20continue%20to%20rise">Seven main suspects under police investigation in national Post Office probe</a>.</li> <li>June 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366626737/Fujitsus-grip-on-HMRC-loosening-but-bags-of-taxpayer-cash-still-to-be-made">Fujitsu’s grip on HMRC loosening but bags of taxpayer cash still to be made</a>.</li> <li>July 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627174/Post-Office-inquiry-chair-cannot-rule-out-scandal-caused-13-suicides">Post Office inquiry chair ‘cannot rule out’ scandal caused 13 suicides</a>.</li> <li>July 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627634/Former-Post-Office-staff-in-Horizon-replacement-bid-team">Former Post Office staff in Horizon replacement bid team</a>.</li> <li>July 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627641/Home-Office-dumps-Fujitsu-from-IT-services-contract">Home Office dumps Fujitsu from IT services contract</a>.</li> <li>July 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627820/Fujitsu-outage-crashes-Post-Office-Horizon-system">Fujitsu outage crashes Post Office Horizon system</a>.</li> <li>July 2025: <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627933/Peer-warns-IT-suppliers-against-partnering-Fujitsu-in-government-contracts">Peer warns suppliers against partnering Fujitsu in contracts</a>.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> Fujitsu datacentre outage hit subpostmaster sales for two hours, leaving subpostmasters to seek compensation https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/Post-Office-Merstham-clrcrmck.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366627905/Subpostmasters-shoulder-costs-of-Fujitsus-Post-Office-IT-outage Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:56:00 GMT Subpostmasters shoulder costs of Fujitsu’s Post Office IT outage <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617831/UK-government-unveils-AI-fuelled-industrial-strategy">Debate is raging about whether the UK government’s push to grow the number of homegrown datacentres</a> with capabilities to host compute-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) will accelerate the adoption of AI technologies across public and private sectors. As reported by Computer Weekly, the government has published its <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617831/UK-government-unveils-AI-fuelled-industrial-strategy">AI opportunities action plan</a> policy paper, which details 50 actions the government has committed to delivering on to ensure the use of AI technologies and services becomes more pervasive across the UK. According to the government, the plan means “AI will be unleashed across the UK to deliver a decade of national renewal” by enabling the technology to take on more of the public sector’s administrative burden. This, in turn, will free up time for employees to concentrate more on delivering frontline services that benefit citizens directly, with the government citing the NHS as a use case where this type of work is already reaping benefits. “[AI] is being used in hospitals up and down the country to deliver better, faster and smarter care: spotting pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnosing breast cancer quicker, and getting people discharged quicker,” the government said in a statement. “This is already helping deliver the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future.” <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Establishing infrastructure for AI adoption"> <h2 class="section-title">Establishing infrastructure for AI adoption</h2> Accelerating the take-up of AI technologies and services will require sizeable investments in building out the UK’s AI-ready datacentre infrastructure. This is something <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617444/Government-review-of-denied-datacentre-builds-sees-Iver-project-get-green-light">the government has wasted no time in encouraging operators to get involved with</a> since coming to power in July 2024, and it has used the policy paper’s publication to name-check several operators that have recently committed to building server farms in the UK. They include Vantage Data Centres, which is in the throes of building a large datacentre campus in Wales and has committed to invest £12bn in building server farms across the UK, and NScale, which has also vowed to invest £2bn in building AI datacentres in the UK over the next three years. Incidentally, the government also confirmed that more than £25bn in private sector investment in UK datacentres has been secured since it was voted in. However, more supporting infrastructure will be required, which is why one of the standout parts of the AI action plan is a commitment to expand the UK’s sovereign compute capacity at least 20-fold by 2030. To achieve this, the government has committed to creating a supercomputing facility that it claims will “double the capacity” of the UK’s AI research resource. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is already building a business case and sourcing suppliers for the facility, the government confirmed in the policy paper.  “The UK will also work with stakeholders to develop a long-term compute strategy that will ensure the UK has the AI infrastructure and compute capacity it needs to deliver new scientific innovations and discoveries that will drive productivity and growth throughout the economy,” stated the AI opportunities action plan: Government response policy paper. <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> With the contents of the AI action plan now public, the pressure is on the government to turn its rhetoric into reality and tangible economic results </figure> </div> </blockquote> The paper also goes into more detail about the government’s plan to create a series of AI growth zones, which will be designated areas of the UK that have “enhanced access to power and support for planning approvals”. This aligns with <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366593073/Datacentre-market-supports-Labour-governments-review-of-blocked-server-farm-builds">promises the government has previously made about lowering planning permission barriers</a> for datacentre developments in the UK. As detailed in the policy paper, the first pilot AI growth zone is on course to be built in Culham, at the headquarters of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which will work with the government from spring 2025 to recruit a private sector partner to deliver “one of the UK’s largest AI datacentres” on the site. “The government and UKAEA will seek a private sector partner who would develop one of the UK’s largest AI datacentres, beginning with 100MW of capacity and with plans to scale up to 500MW,” the paper stated. “The pilot would pioneer innovative public-private models to deliver secure, dedicated public sector computing capacity, supporting key national priorities.” While the pilot AI growth zone project progresses, efforts will be made to identify other areas of the UK that might make suitable additional sites for this initiative, the paper added. “AI growth zones have the potential to grow the AI sector to support AI adoption across the economy and enable the government to build new strategic partnerships with leading AI players,” the policy paper continued. “They also have the potential to deliver local benefits, including job creation, enhanced digital and energy infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.” </section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Industry feedback"> <h2 class="section-title">Industry feedback</h2> With the contents of the AI opportunities action plan now public, the pressure is on the government to turn its rhetoric into reality and tangible economic results. But questions are being asked about whether or not the government is up to the task. Simon Baxter, principal analyst at IT analyst house TechMarketView, pointed out – in an email to the company’s subscriber base – that creating more datacentres does not necessarily mean that AI usage will increase in the UK public sector. “Certainly, when it comes to the use of AI in public services, there are no clear timelines on how quickly the technology can be implemented, and there is a risk that the impact of AI may be far less than expected,” he said. <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> When it comes to the use of AI in public services, there are no clear timelines on how quickly the technology can be implemented, and there is a risk that the impact of AI may be far less than expected </figure> <figcaption> Simon Baxter, TechMarketView </figcaption> </div> </blockquote> At the same time, with public sector organisations facing ever-tightening financial constraints, the pressure will be on public sector bodies to achieve “early gains” from adopting AI. “And if they don’t, they will struggle to continue investing when fiscal times are tougher,” Baxter continued. “We are also still missing enough clear examples of the returns public departments are achieving from AI deployments, which would be a far more useful metric than these announcements of numerous AI activities.” Mark Boost, CEO of UK-based cloud services provider Civo, is far more optimistic about the impact the government’s plans will have on AI usage among more risk-averse users within the public sector, on the basis that the action plan is championing the creation of sovereign AI services. “Data sovereignty means that all data is processed and stored within our borders, and is subject only to UK laws,” said Boost. “With this guarantee, public and private sector organisations in healthcare, defence, law and many more will finally be able to deploy AI without fear of breaching data protection controls.” John Buyers, global head of AI at legal firm Osborne Clark, told Computer Weekly of his concerns about how much “overarching responsibility” the plans put on the government and “bureaucratic mechanisms” to accelerate the growth of the UK’s AI sector. “Are these the right mechanisms for such a fundamental initiative or should great reliance have been placed on nurturing the private sector?” he said. “Looking to the public sector to lead on innovation, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510771/PAC-scrutinises-failure-of-large-government-IT-modernisation-projects">especially on large-scale infrastructure projects, is not something that the UK has a happy history of</a>.” Buyers also raised questions about where funding for the sovereign compute part of the AI opportunities action plan is going to come from, given the expense involved in building datacentres. “Large AI providers in the United States are spending billions of dollars on a quarterly basis to fund datacentre and energy commitments – including recommissioning nuclear power stations for extra energy,” said Buyers. “Levels of taxation are already at record levels – and tax is the only capital revenue source that government can rely on.” <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about datacentres and artificial intelligence</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366593073/Datacentre-market-supports-Labour-governments-review-of-blocked-server-farm-builds">Labour government has wasted no time in lowering planning permission</a> barriers to new datacentre builds, with its disclosure that two previously denied projects are being placed under review.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617959/Can-UK-government-achieve-ambition-to-become-AI-powerhouse">The AI opportunities action plan has been largely well received</a>, but there are plenty of questions about how it will be achieved.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> The UK government has unveiled its 50-point AI action plan, which commits to building sovereign artificial intelligence capabilities and accelerating AI datacentre developments - but questions remain about the viability of the plans https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/datacentre-server-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366617926/Developing-AI-datacentres-Has-the-UK-government-got-what-it-takes Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:31:00 GMT Developing AI datacentres: Has the UK government got what it takes? Nokia has unveiled technology to enable far edge compute and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost operational technology (OT) responsiveness and decision-making in advanced industrial applications, as well as new services to enable AI-powered applications for worker safety and industrial automation. Nokia cited a <a href="https://omdia.tech.informa.com/om032184/industrial-edge-networking-components--2023-analysis">recent report by research organisation Omdia</a> highlighting the growing industrial trend of data pre-processing at the edge to improve productivity, efficiency and agility, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366580372/Embedded-World-2024-Edge-AI-to-transform-industry">which requires processing power located in or near the device</a>, including machine learning (ML) and AI. Newly connected nodes with converged functionalities show the highest global growth rate, a CAGR of 11.3% from 2022–2027, driving industrial digitisation and IT/OT convergence. As part of its response to these trends, Nokia has introduced <a href="https://www.dac.nokia.com/mx-grid/">MX Grid</a>, what it claims is the world’s first on-premise, hyper-interconnected and distributed AI/ML offering that enables organisations to improve OT responsiveness and decision-making by processing and analysing data closest to the source. MX Grid is designed to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption, building on the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366571812/MWC-24-Nokia-Intel-team-to-boost-industrial-enterprise-private-5G">Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) platform</a> and using wireless connectivity, to offer a new OT data processing architecture that facilitates IT/OT convergence, supporting mission-critical industrial applications. Compared with most current AI/ML assets that run in cloud environments, MX Grid brings OT-compliant AI/ML processing capabilities closer to the OT data source. It uses a pool of orchestrated compute-capable field devices, micro-edges, with a specialised, AI-capable software stack. These micro-edges are connected by <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366562115/BICS-Telcofan-team-to-streamline-private-networks">private wireless networks</a> and/or Wi-Fi. Nokia said MX Grid can fundamentally enhance the efficiency of enterprise OT operations using decentralised workload processing and real-time, agile decision-making, bringing intelligence to legacy OT assets. Key industrial applications supported include predictive maintenance, security and surveillance, worker safety, tracking and positioning, and quality assurance. In a quality assurance use case, the application on the micro-edge could analyse real-time sensor data and video feeds coming from the connected machine. Depending on the deviation level, either an immediate action can be triggered directly by the micro-edge or the MXIE peer application takes over the monitoring for deeper analysis of real-time data for later corrective action. This results in improved latency and optimised network load. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h3 class="splash-heading">Read more about Industry 4.0</h3> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366564092/AMRC-North-West-showcases-Industry-40-smart-factory-smart-building-demonstrator">AMRC North West showcases Industry 4.0 smart factory, smart building demonstrator</a>: UK university’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre announces internet of things deployment powered by telco’s IoT.nxt management platforming showcase of low carbon smart building demonstrator and smart factory.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365535393/Industry-40-usage-matures-across-industrial-campuses">Industry 4.0 usage matures across industrial campuses</a>: Nokia and ABI Research announce results of study highlighting the progress and plans for enterprise infrastructure investments in several key sectors made over the past year.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-new-shape-of-design-in-the-age-of-Industry-40">The new shape of design in the age of Industry 4.0</a>: The modern manufacturing process has evolved over the last decades to the point where there are many interconnected disciplines taking place, often at the same time. With the advent of advanced comms technologies, interconnections are taking on a whole new paradigm for engineering.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365535158/Nokia-expands-industrial-edge-applications-to-accelerate-Industry-40-transition">Nokia expands industrial edge applications to accelerate Industry 4.0 transition</a>: Four digital enablers designed to expand operational technology edge applications to connect, collect and analyse data from disparate sources – including video cameras – unlocking value.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Omdia principal research analyst for manufacturing technology Anna Ahrens said: “We are observing a significant trend of decentralised processing in industrial technology moving compute and AI/ML capabilities to devices near the OT data source. “In the upcoming years, we anticipate a steady increase in these connected edge nodes that are the true enablers of the industrial digitisation,” she said. “Nokia addresses these industry needs introducing a transformative decentralised AI/ML processing platform harnessing the power of private wireless connectivity and on-prem OT edge. This innovation facilitates emerging use case scenarios with low-latency requirements.” The ability to integrate and use connected worker data and situational sensory information in MX Grid brings new capabilities for worker safety use cases. The <a href="https://www.dac.nokia.com/applications/visual-position-and-object-detection/">Visual Position and Object Detection (VPOD) application</a> is designed to enhance industrial tracking and positioning, and contextual awareness to enable Industry 4.0 applications and increase worker safety in industrial plants. Explaining the rationale for its launch, Nokia said that in complex industrial environments it’s often difficult to equip machinery and tools with active tags, and challenging for people to wear and maintain those units (for example, battery change and faulty units). It added that by using a real-time video data feed, VPOD eliminates the need to equip assets and people with powered devices, facilitating improved situational awareness. Using Bell Labs’ patented technologies, VPOD traces industrial assets by using locally deployed AI algorithms that analyse real-time camera feeds to deliver insights into industrial operations to improve workplace conditions. VPOD utilises the MX Grid architecture to process video data next to the camera, together with MXIE, for more accurate asset tracking and positioning. This is said to improve significantly worker safety and contextual awareness, when combined with other OT data sources. Comms tech provider makes series of announcements to enable more effective, responsive and agile decision-making for Industry 4.0 segments by processing, and unveils visual position and object detection technology to track industrial assets via camera video feeds https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/industry-4.0-handheld-fotolia.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366581755/Nokia-boosts-Industry-40-with-MX-Grid-Visual-Position-and-Object-Detection Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:45:00 GMT Nokia boosts Industry 4.0 with MX Grid, Visual Position and Object Detection <a href="https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-eu/progress-update-on-project-clover">Three years after going public with its plan to open its first European datacentre</a> in Dublin, Ireland, TikTok has confirmed the site is now operational and is in the throes of having user data migrated into it. The <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252487281/TikTok-to-open-first-European-datacentre-in-Ireland-during-early-2022">news was confirmed in a blog post by Theo Bertram</a>, TikTok’s vice-president of public policy Europe, who said the datacentre will provide a “specially reinforced protective environment around our European user data”. In support of this, the post goes on to detail how TikTok is working with European data security firm NCC Group to independently audit its data controls, monitor data flows, provide independent verification of its data protection processes and report any incidents. “As an independent security provider, NCC Group will monitor data coming in and out of the secure environment to independently validate that only approved employees can access limited data types,” said the post. “NCC Group will perform ongoing security assessments of the new security gateways we are building around European user data, the TikTok app our datacentres and other TikTok infrastructure.” It added: “NCC Group will also server as a managed security services provider for our security gateways, performing real-time monitoring to identify and respond to any suspicious or anomalous access attempts and provide assurance on the integrity of the enhanced security controls operations.” Stephen Bailey, global director of privacy at NCC Group, said the company was proud to have been chosen by TikTok for the project. “Our objective scrutiny, monitoring and assurance means platform users in Europe and the UK can have confidence in the enhanced data security standards that TikTok is setting, which go above and beyond European regulatory requirements.” The datacentre build comes under the remit of a body of work TikTok has undertaken called Project Clover, which is focused on creating what it terms a “secure enclave” for the data of its European users. This is, according to the company’s <a href="https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-eu/progress-update-on-project-clover">Project Clover page on its website</a>, designed to “strengthen existing protections and further align our overall approach to data governance with the principle of European data sovereignty.” Project Clover has also previously seen TikTok commit to building two further European datacentres in support of this push, including another one in Dublin, Ireland, and an additional site in Norway. Both sites are still under construction at this time. The Norway site will run on 100% renewable energy, primarily in the form hydropower, as confirmed by TikTok, and will be free-cooled by capitalising on the country’s naturally cooler climate. “The operations in Norway will also recycle excess heat, which will be made available as an energy resource for new and existing activities in the surrounding area.” <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about datacentre market developments</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252487281/TikTok-to-open-first-European-datacentre-in-Ireland-during-early-2022">The CISO of TikTok has confirmed the social video company's plans to open its first European</a> datacentre in early 2022, as its data security processes come under increased scrutiny from the US government</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506671/TikToks-take-off-fuels-hyperscale-datacentre-spend-by-parent-company-ByteDance">Following its meteoric rise to social media prominence, TikTok’s parent company</a> is confirmed as being the world’s seventh-biggest datacentre spender after just three years of expansion</li> </ul> </div> </div> Social media giant TikTok has completed the first of two datacentre builds it has under development in Ireland https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/TikTok-socialmedia-adobe-1.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366551052/TikTok-opens-Irish-datacentre-in-push-to-safeguard-European-user-data Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT TikTok opens Irish datacentre in push to safeguard European user data <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-impact-of-generative-AI-on-the-datacentre">Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies</a> could boost the UK economy to the tune of £400bn by the year 2030 by making people more productive in their day jobs and opening up new career paths to them. That’s according to Google’s Economic impact report, which was compiled by business management consultancy Public First and set out to determine the economic benefits the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Generative-AI-in-business-Fast-uptake-earmarked-funding">adoption of AI technologies</a> could unlock.  The report looked specifically at the role Google’s products and services could potentially play in providing the UK economy with a boost. Its findings suggest that Google technologies such as Search, Maps, Workspace, cloud and Android will create an estimated £118bn in economic value in the UK in this year alone. “In total, Public First estimates that generative AI could save the average worker in the UK over 100 hours a year, which would be the single biggest improvement to worker productivity since the arrival of Google Search,” the company said in a statement announcing its findings. “More broadly, AI could save over 700,000 hours a year in administrative work for GPs and teachers. This could help offset some of the growing cost pressures in areas such as health and education, and free up over £8bn worth of public sector productivity for other uses.”  There is also scope for AI to be used in assistive technologies, the report goes on to state, which could help more than one million people with disabilities in the workplace and add a further £30bn a year to the economy too. “Based on stats from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), around one in five of the UK’s working-age population currently has a disability and those with a disability are around a third less likely to be in work and economically active,” it said. “Technologies, such as AI-generated captions, could help people living with disabilities to regain their independence, connect with the world around them and give them the option to return to work, unlocking economic growth opportunities for the UK.”  AI tools could also help skill-up the UK population and boost citizen’s digital skills in the form of AI tutors and coding assistants, the report continued: “Around 35% of businesses today say that they find it difficult to find staff with good digital skills, while 39% of those out of work say their lack of digital skills is a barrier to them finding work.” Debbie Weinstein, vice-president and managing director for Google UK and Ireland, said: “AI will play a critical role in turbocharging the UK’s productivity and providing the country with a crucial economic boost; helping people work more efficiently, making careers more accessible, and unlocking new ways of learning vital digital skills. The UK has a unique opportunity to unlock a potential £400bn AI-powered economic boost that could transform every corner of the country for the better.” To ensure the transformative potential of AI is not squandered will require a group effort across sectors, she said.   “It’s crucial that the public, private and third sectors work together to tap into that potential. At Google, we’re playing our part by providing tools to power the UK’s tech-led growth, creating access to digital skills, and providing the support needed to ensure the UK’s tech ecosystem continues to thrive.” Paul Scully, minister for tech and the digital economy, added: “Grasping the AI opportunity is essential to building a better future for the UK – Google’s findings today make that clear. From freeing up time for GPs and teachers, to making jobs more accessible to everyone, artificial intelligence has the potential to transform our public services, our economy and our society.”   <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about AI technologies and the economy</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366540890/Artificial-intelligence-creates-40000-new-roles-at-Accenture">Accenture will invest $3bn over three years in its data and artificial intelligence (AI) practice</a>, which will include adding 40,000 AI experts to the workforce, making acquisitions and training existing staff.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-impact-of-generative-AI-on-the-datacentre">While artificial intelligence will not live up to its name any time soon</a>, mass adoption of large language models, whether by customers or in-house, requires thinking about by enterprise IT leaders.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Google's Economic Impact Report highlights the positive benefits the wider use of AI technologies throughout society could have on the UK economy https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/technology-digital-ai-binary-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366543672/Google-research-highlights-UK-economic-benefits-of-widespread-AI-adoption Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:30:00 GMT Google research highlights UK economic benefits of widespread AI adoption The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Google Cloud to <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/365530314/MoD-needs-to-transform-to-succeed-with-digital-strategy-says-PAC">accelerate the adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the UK defence sector</a>. News of the technology tie-up between the two organisations was announced by Paul Lincoln, the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) 2nd parliamentary under secretary of state (PUS), at the London Tech Week AI Summit. The <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484042/Google-Cloud-eyes-public-sector-push-after-signing-MoU-with-UK-government-procurement-chiefs">agreement will provide Dstl with access to Google Cloud’s portfolio</a> of AI services, as well as a host of staff learning and development opportunities to help transform it into an AI-ready end-user organisation. Dstl will also benefit from being able to tap into the Google Cloud Marketplace, as well as the firm’s wider partner ecosystem, while also providing it with opportunities for cross-sector collaboration so the defence sector can learn from how other vertical markets are making use of AI. Paul Hollinshead, CEO of Dstl, said: “As one of the most transformative and ubiquitous new technologies, AI has enormous potential to transform societies. Dstl’s collaboration with Google Cloud is one of the significant steps Dstl is taking to prioritise research, development, and experimentation of technologies in line with our commitment to safe and responsible AI.”  News of the technology tie-up between Google Cloud and Dstl comes hot on the heels of an announcement made by the MoD in July 2022 about the opening of the Defence AI Centre. This initiative is similarly geared towards accelerating take-up of AI technologies within the UK defence sector. Helen Kelisky, managing director for UK and Ireland at Google Cloud, said its collaboration with Dstl will see the pair work together to create a “secure and prosperous UK”. She said: “AI has potential to assist the ministry in a broad range of use cases, including cyber security, disaster response, and employee productivity. We look forward to helping Dstl in its commitment to using AI boldly and responsibly.” The Dstl MoU is one of a series of AI-focus contracts Google Cloud has signed with governments and defence agencies around the world, including one with the US Defense Innovation Unit. Incidentally, the hyperscale cloud giant has also seen the amount of UK public sector business come its way rise markedly in recent quarters, based on the UK government’s own Digital Marketplace data, with the company securing a total of £2.8m in spending through the G-Cloud framework during the first quarter of 2023 alone. To put this figure into context, the company has secured a total of £7m in G-Cloud spending since the third quarter of 2020 with the bulk of that occurring since the second quarter of 2022. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about Google Cloud in the public sector</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252484042/Google-Cloud-eyes-public-sector-push-after-signing-MoU-with-UK-government-procurement-chiefs">Google Cloud eyes public sector push after signing MoU</a> with UK government procurement chiefs.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366538721/Singapore-government-teams-up-with-Google-Cloud-on-AI" style="font-size: 16px;">The Singapore government and Google Cloud will make AI capabilities</a>, including developer tools and AI models, available to public sector agencies through a locally hosted AI platform.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Google Cloud is continuing to make in-roads into the UK public sector after signing MoU with The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/UK-british-army-union-flag-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366541854/Google-Cloud-signs-MoU-to-accelerate-take-up-of-AI-by-UK-defence-sector Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:45:00 GMT Google Cloud signs MoU to accelerate take-up of AI by UK defence sector Car parks may soon become a go-to destination for charging electric vehicles, collecting online shopping packages and catching up with emails. Trials starting this year will offer drivers office pods to work in while they charge their cars, along with pop-up shops and office space for startups. Drivers will be able to book and pay for their parking spaces and battery top-ups using a mobile phone app or through their car’s infotainment system. High-tech car parks like this, known as mobility hubs, are the vision of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/people/?facetConnectionOf=%22ACoAAB8T6CoBEW49MSPm0c1fQKGe63glyIVuFYM%22&facetNetwork=%22F%22&origin=MEMBER_PROFILE_CANNED_SEARCH&sid=DuC">Kim Challis</a>, regional managing director at APCOA Parking (UK), a traditional car park operator that is reinventing itself as a technology company. Mobility hubs are designed to bring benefits to local communities and to help car park owners make the most of the spaces they have, she says. “It ranges from simple things like electric vehicle charging or using car parks for cycle parking. We can put in lockers so companies like Amazon and InPost don’t have to drive to every individual home, they can just drop off at the car parks,” she adds. APCOA’s roots go back to 1949, when two businessmen founded the Airport Parking Company of America. The business has been through multiple restructures over the years, and today provides car parking services in 13 countries across Europe, under the ownership of <a href="https://www.centerbridge.com/">Centerbridge</a>, a private investment company. APCOA’s business model is to bid for contracts to manage car parks for hospitals, airports and private companies. It also manages on-street parking and parking enforcement for local authorities, along with cameras on traffic lights and box junctions. Parking is a low-margin business. It’s also highly competitive as car park operators bid against each other to win tenders to manage car parks. That competition has intensified over the past three years as operators face new high-tech rivals. A new generation of technology companies, such as <a href="https://myringgo.co.uk/">RingGo</a> and <a href="https://www.paybyphone.co.uk/">PayByPhone</a>, which offer car parking payment and booking apps, are seeing opportunities to manage and run their own car parks. At the same time, traditional car parking companies have begun to develop their own parking apps and analytics technology. APCOA is itself part-way through a project to transform from a traditional car parking company to a high-tech operation. <figure class="main-article-image half-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-2-Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-electric-vehicle-charging-parking-for-bikes-and-Wi-Fi-access-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px.jpg"> <img data-src="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-2-Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-electric-vehicle-charging-parking-for-bikes-and-Wi-Fi-access-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px_half_column_mobile.jpg" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-2-Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-electric-vehicle-charging-parking-for-bikes-and-Wi-Fi-access-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px_half_column_mobile.jpg 960w,https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-2-Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-electric-vehicle-charging-parking-for-bikes-and-Wi-Fi-access-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px.jpg 1280w" data-credit="APCOA Parking" height="158" width="279"> <figcaption> Urban mobility hubs will offer electric vehicle charging, Wi-Fi access and parking for bikes </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> </div> </figure> The turning point came in 2015 when one of APCOA’s competitors, <a href="https://groupnexus.co.uk/cp-plus-and-ranger-services-merger-groupnexus">CP Plus, bought Ranger Services</a>, a company APCOA relied on for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology. APCOA found itself increasingly competing with the company that now supplied APCOA’s ANPR services for the same contracts using the same ANPR technology. “We knew we weren’t going to be competitive if we were applying for contracts relying on a third party,” says Challis. In 2017, Challis asked Stephen Rickett, APCOA’s head of IT, to take on a new role as director of innovation and technology with a remit to rethink APCOA’s business. With more car park tenders specifying automatic number plate recognition, APCOA realised it needed to develop its own parking technology, says Rickett. “For me, it was really about being able to manage our priorities,” he says. “We wanted to be cheaper, quicker and faster to the market”. <h3>Investing in the future</h3> Challis and Rickett proposed to APCOA’s board of directors that the company should become less reliant on third-party suppliers by developing its own technology. That meant building a technology platform that was flexible enough to meet the requirements of multiple different clients, along with unpredictable future demands. “We sat down as a group, and as a board, and said, ‘We’re going to have to invest. And we’re going to have to invest in technology that doesn’t just cater for today, but also caters for the next 10 years,” says Challis. <blockquote> <div class="imagecaption alignLeft"> <img src="https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/computerweekly/Kim-Challis-regional-managing-director-UK&I-group-ESG-director-APCOA-Parking-140x180px.jpg" alt=""> </div> “We didn’t just want to replicate Ranger. We wanted a really intelligent business engine” Kim Challis, APCOA </blockquote> Their vision was to use data from ANPR to generate insights about how car parks are being used and to find ways to make them more profitable. “We didn’t just want to replicate Ranger,” says Challis. “We wanted a really intelligent business engine.” The second requirement was that APCOA’s parking technology had to be able to connect easily with parking kiosks, barriers and ANPR cameras from multiple suppliers already used by APCOA’s clients. “We can’t just rip out a client’s existing equipment because the client will immediately feel like they have wasted a lot of money,” says Challis. Third, the technology platform needed to operate in multiple languages and multiple currencies, and be able to read number plates from multiple countries, in the areas where APCOA provides parking services. Challis says she had built up a track record of always delivering what she promised over the three years she had worked for APCOA. “My style is always if we’re going to start something, we finish it. We don’t just do it half-heartedly, we do it properly. And I think they would have known that,” she says. The board backed the project. <h3>Bringing development home</h3> Challis and Rickett took a decision early on to develop its own ANPR software in-house rather than to use external software developers and consultants. Rickett started work on the project with one developer and APCOA’s business experts in late 2017. Initially, Rickett built a platform at APCOA’s own datacentre in Slough, using Microsoft’s <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchwindowsserver/definition/IIS">Internet Information Services</a> web server and a <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/definition/SQL-Server">Microsoft SQL</a> database hosted on virtual machines. The site was backed up at a disaster recovery site in Harlow. The first working demonstration of APCOA’s ANPR system took place in 2018 at a multi-storey car park in <a href="https://www.apcoa.co.uk/parking-in/wigan/grand-arcade-wigan/">Wigan’s Grand Arcade</a> shopping centre. APCOA christened the prototype Parkway, taking the name from an earlier project that hadn’t got off the ground. Working with a third party, APCOA had already developed a cashless payment app, known as APCOA Connect. The app offers drivers the ability to pay parking charges automatically by registering their car number plates, or if they prefer, by sending an SMS message or making a phone call. Another option allows drivers to pay for their parking up to 24 hours later, which is useful in car parks near hospitals where drivers may have more pressing concerns than paying for parking. Rickett wanted to integrate Parkway with its own parking app, as well as dozens of other payment kiosks and apps used in the car park industry. He built up a team of five developers, based in Newcastle, supplemented by two testing specialists and two product developers based in Uxbridge. The IT team had relied on six offshore developers to integrate third-party payment apps and services into Parkway. Rickett brought the work back in-house, replacing the six external developers with a team of three in-house developers. “I knew I would get more efficiency,” he says, despite having fewer people. The team developed Parkway in stages, adding new functions whenever a customer requested applications that were likely to prove popular with other clients. That meant rather than sitting on a shelf waiting for a customer to buy it, the software was always being used, says Challis. “If you had a big hospital that had a specific requirement, we would [expect there were] 10 other hospitals out there that would probably take that,” she adds. It took discipline to keep the focus on the original development plan when clients and APCOA’s own teams were thinking up more ideas for Parkway, she says. The product manager always had the final say regardless of whether Challis or Rickett thought the software was ready. “If the product manager was not happy, it didn’t go out,” she says. <h3>Putting data in the cloud</h3> By 2019, Parkway was growing and needed more computing power to process more data. Rickett began an 11-month project to move the software out of APCOA’s own datacentre and into a cloud service. The team looked briefly at hosting Parkway on Amazon Web Services (AWS), but it made more sense to move to <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchcloudcomputing/definition/Windows-Azure">Microsoft Azure</a>. APCOA’s team was used to working with Microsoft’s software and its developers were already familiar with Azure from other projects. <figure class="main-article-image half-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-3_Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-office-pods-and-Wi-Fi-for-making-calls-or-catching-up-on-emails-Amazon-and-InPost delivery-lockers-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px.jpg"> <img data-src="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-3_Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-office-pods-and-Wi-Fi-for-making-calls-or-catching-up-on-emails-Amazon-and-InPost delivery-lockers-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px_half_column_mobile.jpg" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-3_Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-office-pods-and-Wi-Fi-for-making-calls-or-catching-up-on-emails-Amazon-and-InPost delivery-lockers-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px_half_column_mobile.jpg 960w,https://www.computerweekly.com/rms/computerweekly/carparks-3_Urban-Mobility-Hubs-will-offer-office-pods-and-Wi-Fi-for-making-calls-or-catching-up-on-emails-Amazon-and-InPost delivery-lockers-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-800px.jpg 1280w" data-credit="APCOA Parking" height="158" width="279"> <figcaption> Urban mobility hubs will offer office pods and Wi-Fi for making calls or catching up on emails, along with Amazon and InPost delivery lockers </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> </div> </figure> Rickett was clear from the outset that he wanted Microsoft to provide a <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchcloudcomputing/definition/Platform-as-a-Service-PaaS">platform as a service (PaaS)</a>, which would free up APCOA’s team to focus on developing applications rather than managing the technology platform. The internal team worked in an agile way, continuously developing and updating the code, following the DevOps model. APCOA hired <a href="https://www.rackspace.com/en-gb">Rackspace</a> to assist in migrating Parkway to the cloud. The work was complete by mid-2020. One advantage of using the cloud service is that APCOA can quickly add new customers to the platform, says Rickett. “We can just add clients at a click of the fingers, and we can be faster to market because of that,” he says. APCOA is currently using Parkway to offer parking services in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and has plans to deploy Parkway in Italy and Poland. <h3>Cashless kiosks with remote access</h3> APCOA went on to introduce more capabilities, including a “white label” service that allowed customers to add their own branding and designs to APCOA’s payment technology. After a tender from a university, APCOA wrote software to exempt delivery drivers from paying parking charges in the university car park. It has developed the concept further to allow any user of the software to exempt their own staff, taxis and other vehicles from paying charges. <blockquote> <div class="imagecaption alignLeft"> <img src="https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/computerweekly/Stephen-Rickett-director-of-Innovation-and-technology-APCOA-Parking-140x180px.jpg" alt=""> </div> “We had a vision where kiosks would be low maintenance. They would be cashless and paperless. Not having to deal with topping up paper and paper jams. Fewer moving parts and less to go wrong” Stephen Rickett, APCOA </blockquote> In 2020, Rickett decided that, rather than continue to rely on payment kiosks designed by third-party suppliers, APCOA would build its own customised kiosks. “We had a vision where kiosks would be low maintenance. They would be cashless – with no coins, no notes – and paperless. Not having to deal with topping up paper and paper jams. Fewer moving parts and less to go wrong.” he says. APCOA also wanted the ability to change the wording and designs of the display screens remotely. “The wording on the display is very important to us. It should be different for different car parks because each car park is different,” he says. “We wanted to influence the entire customer journey, every screen, every button press, and how it looks.” APCOA bought the physical structure of the parking kiosks from <a href="https://www.evoke-creative.com/">Evoke Creative</a>, a company in the Wirral, perhaps best known for supplying the kiosks used by customers to place orders for burgers and milkshakes in McDonalds. The IT team used a Microsoft development tool, <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/xamarin/get-started/what-is-xamarin">Xamarin</a>, to program the kiosks to replicate the capabilities of its APCOA Connect parking app. The team introduced a barcode scanner that would allow car park owners to hand out promotional cards to customers offering them free or discounted parking. APCOA is able to change the messaging on the kiosks or update parking tariffs from its control centre in a matter of minutes. Updates can be as simple as making it clear that people should pay when they leave the car park rather than when they arrive, or reminding customers that they don’t need to pay if they stay for under two hours. It is a far cry from traditional parking kiosks, which often required an engineer to visit the machine in person with a replacement SD card to update the software. ANPR cameras make it possible for car park owners to dispense with payment kiosks altogether, but some clients still prefer to have them. “It’s not something we push because a lot of the time car parks are tending towards digital payment tariffs, but it’s added capability,” he says. “It’s part of our armoury.” So far, APCOA has deployed 20 of its customised kiosks. Its German car parking business has ordered five, and further interest is coming from Belgium and Poland. ANPR means automatic barriers are no longer necessary, but for car park owners that still want them – and some do – APCOA’s team has worked with access control company <a href="https://www.faac.co.uk/barriers">FACC</a> in Basingstoke to integrate its barriers into Parkway. “Having that tool in our ecosystem means we can deliver a whole end-to-end solution without third-party suppliers,” says Rickett. Over breakfast during a business conference, Rickett and Challis came up with an idea for simplifying parking payments. Challis suggested putting the technology from APCOA’s payment kiosks into a mobile phone to create a “virtual kiosk”. The result was Scan Pay, a website customers can access by scanning a QR code to pay without having to register or download an app. The website links to Apple Pay and Google Pay, so customers can pay for their parking in a matter of seconds. “You can pay as you are walking back to your car. You don’t have to download any apps or register for a user account if you don’t want to,” says Rickett. <h3>Number crunching</h3> In 2020, APCOA began a project to create a <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/feature/Data-lake-vs-data-warehouse-Key-differences-explained">data warehouse</a> to capture and analyse data gathered from the cars visiting its car parks. The project was inspired by a tender document from a client that requested a reporting dashboard to show the data coming in from ANPR readers and payments. APCOA had software developers and analysts, but did not have any expertise in big data. It turned to a consulting company for advice on how to build a data warehouse. The IT team decided to use Microsoft tools as far as possible to ingest data, process it and display the results of the analysis. It opted for <a href="https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-au/">Microsoft’s Power BI</a> business intelligence software. One of the biggest challenges, says Rickett, was finding ways to extract data from a diverse range of devices, including the payment kiosks used in clients’ car parks. The team used a combination of <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchapparchitecture/definition/application-program-interface-API">application programming interfaces (APIs)</a> and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/File-Transfer-Protocol-FTP">file transfer protocol (FTP)</a> to take data from Parkway, and other databases hosted by APCOA, to feed into the data warehouse. It took six months to get the data warehouse up and running. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Parking by numbers</h4> Key stats for APCOA’s Parkway parking platform: <ul class="default-list"> <li>5 countries</li> <li>84 clients</li> <li>643 car parks</li> <li>859 cameras</li> <li>143m ANPR reads</li> <li>6m payment transactions</li> <li>£38.5m payment transaction value</li> </ul> </div> </div> APCOA is able to use its data warehouse to make recommendations to its clients about the optimum prices to charge. “We are able to say if you change your tariff to X you will see an upside of Y,” says Rickett. “We have client testimonials where we have increased their revenue.” Some car park operators have introduced differential pricing, so that customers pay more at peak times or when there are fewer parking spaces available. Data from ANPR cameras is also assisting parking wardens, or civil enforcement officers as they are known. The cameras can identify which streets are busy and which streets are quiet. APCOA is able to monitor which streets officers have patrolled and identify any streets they may have been missed. On the day Computer Weekly visited APCOA’s offices in Uxbridge, West London, the analytics team had completed a first prototype of an emissions dashboard. It is able to show car park owners the vehicle emissions generated by their car parks by identifying car models and engine types from the number plates of visiting cars. “It’s very early days but we have seen some interesting data from it,” says Rickett. “You are able to see how many petrol, diesel and electric vehicles there are, and we are working out what the average carbon footprint is for vehicles driving into the car park at average speeds.” Analysis of the data can alert car park operators to trends in the number of electric vehicles parking in their car parks and show whether it makes sense to install electric charging points. Other recommendations might include removing barriers to speed up traffic flow into the car park. APCOA is now offering data analytics routinely in its car park management bids, in addition to offering data analytics as an additional service to existing clients. Previously, APCOA relied on manual spreadsheets to gather data on the performance of its customers’ car parks. The data was always retrospective and did not allow the company or its clients to monitor the performance of car parks in real time. “Most of our analytics would be a person looking at the data in spreadsheets, providing lovely graphs and charts and endless reports to endless customers and clients,” says Challis. <h3>Parkway takes off at Heathrow</h3> APCOA’s work on Parkway paid off in December 2020 when the company won a contract to manage charges for cars dropping off passengers visiting London’s Heathrow Airport. “There was a lot of work to do, but from a technology point of view, the environment was already there and scalable enough to cope with the level of demand,” says Rickett. Although APCOA provided the infrastructure and websites for Heathrow, the service is branded as a Heathrow Airport service. One of the biggest tasks facing the IT team was to understand who, among the many contractors and staff working at Heathrow, should be exempt from paying charges. Even Heathrow Airport did not have a full list. “We wanted to make sure we didn’t send a penalty charge notice to Heathrow’s CIO,” says Rickett. APCOA was able to roll out the system in under nine months. The project went live in late September 2021 and Heathrow began charging drivers for dropping off passengers in October 2021. The parking company worked with engineering company Atkins to install 20 ANPR cameras at each of Heathrow’s terminals. The system went through multiple layers of testing, by APCOA, Heathrow’s engineering partner <a href="https://www.arup.com/search">Arup</a> and finally Heathrow Airport itself. Work took place at night to allow the airport to function normally during the day. Drivers can pay automatically as they visit or up to 24 hours later, by telephone, online, or through a mobile app. Taxi drivers can pay 12 months in advance. Heathrow has created an exemption list of 50,000 vehicles, which include Heathrow staff, contractors and other visitors. Taxi firm Addison Lee has registered 20,000 vehicles, allowing the company to receive monthly statements showing parking charges. <h3>Automatic car parking</h3> APCOA is now working with parking app developer Parkopedia and automotive companies, including Daimler, BMW and Skoda, to allow drivers to pay for parking using their car’s infotainment systems. The project will make it possible for drivers to book parking bays in advance and to use car parks without having to buy a ticket. The same system will allow drivers to pay to charge electric vehicles, pay road tolls or airport drop-off charges, or buy petrol. The next step is automated parking. In Germany, APCOA is working with Bosch and Mercedes-Benz on technology that enables cars to park themselves in a multi-storey car park at Stuttgart Airport. The Automated Valet service allows drivers to leave their car and have it drive itself to a parking space by tapping into a smartphone app. Bosch has installed sensors in the car park that monitor the driving route and the surroundings of the car to send navigation instructions. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are able to drive themselves up and down ramps. If the sensors in the car park detect an obstacle, the vehicle comes to a safe stop and continues once the route is clear. Drivers can collect their car by using the app again once they return to the car park. APCOA has plans to extend the automatic parking trials to other countries. <h3>The future of parking</h3> APCOA’s first urban mobility hub opened in February 2023 at a multi-storey car park in the centre of Carmarthen, Wales. St Catherine’s Walk hub will offer workspaces and Wi-Fi for people to use while they charge their electric vehicles. APCOA also plans to encourage local businesses by converting a section of the car park to offer office space for startup companies. The company has plans for the car park to be used as a drop-off and collection point for parcels, and to work with local businesses to create pop-up shops and kiosks. APCOA has identified a further 10 car parks for developing into urban hubs, with Sheffield and Manchester to follow. The company is working with partners to design and install roof-based photo voltaic cell systems to power each site. It will also introduce displays to give people local information, such as live data on train, bus and taxi services, details of local events and directions to local destinations. “We are going to assess the viability of the hubs and look at what the benefits are over the next six to nine months. I think by the end of this year we are likely to have at least three or four of the hubs up and running,” says Challis. One likely application is to offer space to food delivery companies so that the car parks become distribution points for the surrounding area. “If you are Uber Eats or Just Eat, or delivering parcels, you could get all your packages delivered to the car park and use it as a hub,” she says. Drivers on electric mopeds and electric scooters could take packages the last mile for final delivery, cutting down on van journeys. Although other organisations have purpose-built hubs for parking, Challis says her strategy is to convert existing car parks. “Other people are starting to put things like lockers and cycle parks into car parks, but actually bringing it all together as a hub concept has yet to be done,” she says. Not every idea makes it off the drawing board. At one point, APCOA considered using car parks as locations for “dark kitchens” that would cook food to order for takeaway delivery services, like Just Eat. But the cost of delivering water and wastewater services to car parks made the idea difficult to justify. It would have required car park owners to offer 10- or 15-year leases to the kitchen providers. That was a tall order in a business where it is difficult to predict car parking demands even five years ahead. <h3>APCOA’s business growth</h3> Challis says the development of Parkway has allowed the company to provide customised services to the organisations that own the car parks APCOA operates. “We can now listen to our clients and understand what their business needs are, and we can use Parkway to configure the system to deliver on those needs,” she says. <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> “We can now listen to our clients and understand what their business needs are, and we can use Parkway to configure the system to deliver on those needs” </figure> <figcaption> Kim Challis, APCOA </figcaption> </div> </blockquote> If there are repeated requests for capabilities that are “not part of the kitbag” today, APCOA can build that into the platform in future. The key measure of success for any car park operator is its ability not just to win new contracts but to keep existing contracts. Prior to Parkway, retention rates for contracts were running at between 80% and 85%. Today, they are between 98% and 99%. Over the same time, revenues have risen by 25%. “We always say retention is the number one strategy for growth. If you don’t hold on to the clients that you had, there’s no point growing, right? And then we have seen a huge amount of growth on top of that,” says Challis. APCOA’s overseas operations in Ireland, Austria, Switzerland and Germany are running Parkway. Operations in Poland and Italy will go live this year. If there was one thing Challis would do differently, she says she would roll out Parkway more quickly. “We weren’t expecting the exponential growth we have had over the past three years, and you kind of look back and think, ‘If we’d have done this a little bit faster we would have got even more growth’,” she says. Rickett says that if he had the chance again, he would build Parkway in the cloud first rather than in APCOA’s own datacentre. That would have sped up development time and offered higher resilience and the ability to scale the platform right from the beginning, he says. Having a business analyst on board the development team earlier on would also have made a difference. “We didn’t do much repeat work, but we might have done things in a different order if we had had that in the beginning,” he says. If there is one thing that still keeps Rickett awake at night it is opening a new car park. “Even though we’ve been doing it for so long, it’s still our car park, our revenues. There is a lot of focus on it.”   <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Inside APCOA’s digital platform</h4> Microsoft Azure platform as a service for multiple regions: <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/application-gateway/overview">Azure Application Gateways</a> (web traffic load balancing).</li> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/traffic-manager/traffic-manager-overview">Azure Traffic Manager</a> (DNS-based load balancer).</li> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-functions/functions-overview">Azure Functions</a> (provides computing power on demand).</li> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/overview-hosting-plans">Azure Service Plans</a> (define computing resources required by each app).</li> <li><a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/products/azure-sql/database">SQL Database</a></li> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/service-bus-messaging/service-bus-messaging-overview">Azure Service Bus</a> (manages transfers or messages and data).</li> <li>Microsoft Azure <a href="https://www.techopedia.com/definition/32166/blob-storage">Blob Storage</a> – data store for unstructured data.</li> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-cache-for-redis/cache-overview">Redis Cache</a> – an in memory data store allows fast processing.</li> </ul> Application development Platform: <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/whats-new/dotnet-6">.NetCore6</a>. Programming language: <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/C-Sharp">C#</a>. Development tools for front-end sites and application: <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-3150-0">.NetCore MVC</a> (Microsoft development tool for .Net).</li> <li><a href="https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/article/introduction-to-asp-net-core-razor-pages/">Razor Pages</a>.</li> <li>Javascript/<a href="https://jquery.com/">jQuery</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/xamarin/get-started/what-is-xamarin">Xamarin</a>.</li> </ul> Secure authentication: <ul class="default-list"> <li>API calls authenticated by <a href="https://www.oauth.com/oauth2-servers/differences-between-oauth-1-2/bearer-tokens/">oAuth Bearer tokens</a>.</li> <li>Azure AD with MFA (multifactor authentication).</li> <li><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/devops/user-guide/what-is-azure-devops?view=azure-devops">Azure DevOps</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.qualys.com/">Qualys</a> web application vulnerability assessment tool.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Car park operator APCOA is using big data to transform traditional car parks into mobility hubs that will offer electric vehicle charging, space for small businesses and depots for delivery companies https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/HeroImages/carparks-1-Drivers-will-be-able-to-pre-book-parking-slots-and-pay-for-parking-by-scanning-a-QR-code-CREDIT-APCOA-Parking-hero.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/How-big-data-is-allowing-APCOA-to-re-invent-car-parks Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:30:00 GMT How APCOA is using big data to reinvent car parks When it comes to figuring out how to run a sustainable business, the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252522609/Schneider-Electric-reinforces-commitment-to-addressing-datacentre-skills-gap-with-new-courses">datacentre industry has more experience and expertise</a> at its disposal than the average enterprise, but operators are still running into accusations of <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/greenwashing">greenwashing</a> when working towards their net-zero goals. In recent years, many of the hyperscale datacentre operators have gone public with promises to <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252508339/Government-flags-opportunity-for-re-use-of-waste-datacentre-heat-in-net-zero-strategy">shrink the environmental footprint of their operations</a>, making time-sensitive pledges to ensure their sites run exclusively on renewable energy in the years to come. And <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/IT-Sustainability-Think-Tank-The-circular-economy-in-the-context-of-the-datacentre">while the datacentre industry</a>, as a whole, is making great strides towards becoming more environmentally friendly, there persists a disconnect between operators’ sustainability ambitions and their ability to deliver on them. “The sector has multiple challenges to overcome when trying to build green datacentres,” Pankaj Sharma, global executive vice-president of the secure power division at multinational energy management company Schneider Electric, tells Computer Weekly. “Firstly, if you want to make a datacentre where your source of primary energy is from a green grid, then your choices are limited in where you can build it because not every grid on this planet is green. “Assuming you find that, operators will want to make sure the technology [inside their datacentres] is totally green – and that includes the infrastructure, software and compute.” He continues: “The third challenge is around redundancy and the alternate sources [of energy] being used as backup, which have to be greener and can’t be fossil fuels. And that means operators need an infrastructure backed by renewables.” Another factor operators need to bear in mind is that the further away their sites are from the grid, the more energy will be lost during the transmission process in the form of heat and because of electrical resistance in the network. “One of the biggest challenges is transmission losses, because the further away you are from the grid, the higher the transmission loss. So, even if you have a green grid, but you’re 200 miles away, that’s a potentially large loss.” <h3>Sustainability gap</h3> Trying to overcome these obstacles while delivering on green goals has created a “sustainability gap”, which is leaving the datacentre industry open to unfair <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/sustainability/feature/Examples-of-greenwashing-claims">accusations of greenwashing</a>, says Sharma. “From a sustainability perspective, I think the datacentre industry is doing a better job than some other industries, because it isn’t a very old industry … and energy efficiency hasn’t been as much of a focus for other industries as it has been for datacentres,” he says. <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> “A lot of companies are making [sustainability] commitments, but don’t really know how to [deliver on] those commitments” </figure> <figcaption> Pankaj Sharma, Schneider Electric </figcaption> </div> </blockquote> That said, datacentre operators are under huge pressure from clients and investors to make public declarations about how they plan to make their operations leaner and greener, because – as Sharma puts it – if “you’re not sustainable, you can’t survive as a company”. He continues: “It’s not like five years ago, when nobody cared about sustainability like they do today … what is happening now is a lot of companies are making commitments, but don’t really know how to [deliver on] those commitments.” And this lack of knowledge means they might be at risk of over-promising and under-delivering on their green goals because the technology they need to achieve them has not been invented yet. Similarly, the individuals with the know-how needed to guide them towards achieving their sustainability goals are in short supply. “The pressure is high for our [datacentre] clients from investors and from customers, and greenwashing is happening now because suddenly they need to be sustainable. People have made commitments. The big question is, do you have a plan – and do you know how to execute on that plan?” he says. “Do I think the industry is knowingly greenwashing? I hope not, but it’s definitely a real issue today that needs to be dealt with pretty quickly.” Especially as the validity of the workarounds some companies rely on to become carbon-neutral entities are increasingly being called into question, Sharma continues. A prime example of this is the “carbon credit” schemes that some enterprises rely on to offset their emissions. The owner of these credits is typically allowed to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, and they can sell on any credits they do not use to another company that may need some extra leeway with regard to the emissions they produce. “There are a lot of conversation nowadays on carbon credits – if you’re running a carbon-neutral operation, you can sell your carbon credits to me, and if I don’t have a carbon-neutral operation, I can use carbon credits to meet some of my emission goals,” Sharma states. “As good as this sounds, the reality is my operation is still not becoming carbon neutral – I’m just buying a credit and using that to my advantage and paying money to buy that credit, right?” <h3>Making progress</h3> On the upside, there is real progress being made on making the underlying infrastructure of datacentres greener, he says, pointing to the work Schneider has done to eradicate the amount of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) greenhouse gas emissions generated by server farms. This gas is typically used in the medium voltage switchgear component parts of a datacentre’s wider power infrastructure, but Schneider has since created a version that relies on fresh air to run. “SF6 gas is at least a few thousand times worse than carbon dioxide emissions, so we’ve created switchgears that will run on the air we breathe,” says Sharma. “We’ve done a lot in terms of making power distribution setups greener too. We’re building far more highly efficient uninterruptible power supply systems now that use 30% less material that come in green packaging and they [play into] the circular economy too.” He continues: “For a datacentre client, if they can build an [underlying] infrastructure that is green and can put compute on top of that, which is green too, and are in locations where they can power their sites with renewable energy, then they can go in the direction of being carbon neutral with greater ease.” Finding the people with the right skills and experience to help datacentre operators achieve their sustainability goals can also be a challenge, but is one that Sharma is convinced will become easier in time. <h3>Attracting new talent</h3> Presently, the datacentre industry is grappling with a well-documented and growing skills gap, on account of the fact there are not enough young people looking to pursue a career in this field, but one area many of them are taking a keen interest in is sustainability. “We have very good experts in the datacentre industry today, but it’s an ageing population, so bringing the next generation in was becoming harder. And that’s had a lagging effect on the whole industry,” he says. “The better news now is that sustainability is a top of mind concern for everybody, but especially where the younger generation are concerned. The ease with which we are able to convince people to go into that industry is higher than it used to be, so I think the skills gap we have today [in the datacentre world] may – over the next decade – start to close.” This observation is based on the feedback Sharma has gained while touring universities and speaking to students who are pursuing qualifications in fields related to what Schneider Electric does. “As part of my role, I travel around the world and speak to undergraduate students and explain to them how to make a connection between what you can do with Schneider Electric and how that plays into the power electronics space and saving the planet,” he says.   “There’s a direct connection there and that story is changing quite a bit now. Yes, we have a skills gap today, but I think we are heading in the right direction to fix that.” <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about datacentre sustainability</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/IT-sustainability-strategies-Why-enterprises-need-to-start-with-the-datacentre-when-going-green">Enterprises are under pressure to curb their carbon emissions</a> and become more environmentally friendly entities on multiple fronts, including in the datacentre.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/IT-Sustainability-Think-Tank-The-circular-economy-in-the-context-of-the-datacentre">With sustainability moving up the boardroom agenda</a>, CIOs and IT managers should look to revamp their IT procurement strategies to align with the principles of the circular economy, but why and what does this mean when it comes to managing the lifecycle of their entire IT estate?</li> </ul> </div> </div> Datacentre operators sometimes have a hard time ensuring their actions match their words and pledges on sustainability matters, which could put the industry at risk of greenwashing accusations, Schneider Electric warns https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/world-environment-aid-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Schneider-Electric-on-why-datacentre-operators-need-to-close-the-sustainability-gap Thu, 16 Feb 2023 04:45:00 GMT Schneider Electric on why datacentre operators need to close the ‘sustainability gap’ Contracting market stakeholders have expressed scepticism in response to Conservative leader candidate Liz Truss’s pledge to review the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252520657/IR35-reforms-PAC-report-blames-HMRC-for-widespread-non-compliance-in-public-sector">IR35 tax avoidance rules</a> if she succeeds Boris Johnson as prime minister. In a newspaper interview published over the weekend, Truss – who is currently foreign secretary, but has previously held the role of chief secretary to the Treasury – said she would order a review of the IR35 rules because they are forcing genuinely self-employed people to pay too much tax. The IR35 rules and how they work in the public and private sectors have undergone reforms in recent years, with the government introducing changes that meant contractors were no longer allowed to decide for themselves how they should be taxed based on the work they do and how it is performed. Instead, responsibility for making these decisions has shifted onto the public and private sector organisations that engage contractors, which are instructed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to use “reasonable care” when determining if a contractor’s engagement should fall in or out of scope of the IR35 rules. An inside IR35 determination means contractors are considered to be employees for tax purposes, meaning they must pay the same tax as a permanent employee would. This means they are liable to make Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). Whereas an outside IR35 determination means the contractor is taxed as an off-payroll worker. One of the major and recurring criticisms of the rules is that while inside IR35 contractors are taxed the same way as employees, they are not liable to receive the same workplace benefits, such as paid sick leave or holiday. As a result, concerns have been raised by <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252523228/Government-slammed-for-slow-response-to-IR35-related-consultation-on-zero-rights-employees">MPs and campaign groups that this is contributing to a rise in the number of zero-rights employees</a>, which is something Truss told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/19568776/liz-truss-recession-thatcher-small-business/">The Sun on Sunday she takes umbrage to</a>. “The changes that have been made to IR35 are all about trying to treat the self-employed the same as big business,” she said. “But the fact is, if you’re self-employed, you don’t get the same benefits as being in a big company. You don’t get paid holiday. You don’t get those benefits. The tax system should reflect that more.” She is also reported to have rallied against the unfairness of the rules, as they force genuinely self-employed people to pay too much tax, so – for this reason – she has promised a review of the rules if she comes to power. <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> “We have had reviews before and none of them have led to anything meaningful. This review must lead to radical and tangible change. Nothing should be off the table, including scrapping this dreadful legislation altogether” </figure> <figcaption> Andy Chamberlain, IPSE </figcaption> </div> </blockquote> The pledge has been cautiously welcomed by the contracting community, but – <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252475446/New-government-faces-calls-to-urgently-deliver-on-pre-election-pledge-to-review-IR35-reforms">given how many times the IR35 rules have been subject to government review over the years with next to no changes made as a result</a> – expectations about what this might mean are low among industry watchers. Andy Chamberlain, director of policy at The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE), said the organisation would welcome a review of the IR35 rules, which he said were “destroying businesses and holding back the economy”. He added: “While it is positive to hear Ms Truss acknowledge the need to look again at IR35, we have had reviews before and none of them have led to anything meaningful. This review must lead to radical and tangible change. Nothing should be off the table, including scrapping this dreadful legislation altogether.” Dave Chaplin, CEO of tax compliance firm IR35 Shield, echoed these sentiments and said while it was “good to hear” that Truss is championing the needs of small businesses, another review of the IR35 rules is unnecessary. “We don’t need another review, we need action. The so-called reforms are a flawed botch and have simply served to strangle contractors and those businesses which hire them,” he said. “IR35 is an iron shackle, impeding flexible workers who can help deliver growth just when the UK economy and UK plc need them. The time to act is now.” Shifting responsibility for deciding how contractors should be taxed on to the end-hiring organisations has led to <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506768/IR35-reforms-Network-Rail-u-turns-on-contractor-blanket-ban-strategy">widespread reports in recent years about organisations issuing blanket determinations</a>, whereby all of the contractors they engage are ruled to be working inside IR35. At the same time, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510383/IR35-reforms-Contractors-report-widespread-blanket-bans-and-project-disruption-in-impacts-survey">there have also been reports of organisations banning the use of contractors</a> completely as a way of side-stepping the additional administrative burden the reforms place on them, which has <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/ezine/Computer-Weekly/One-year-on-from-IR35-reforms-why-IT-skills-are-harder-to-find">made it difficult for some contractors to find work</a>. The best thing Truss could do if she comes to power is to scrap IR35 completely, Chaplin said. “Over the last 20-plus years, there has been considerable misjudged and damaging legislation heaped on the contracting sector and the sensible option would be to go back to the drawing board and design a fair tax system that works fairly for everybody – the government needs to fix it or ditch it,” he added. Meanwhile, Seb Maley, CEO of contracting authority Qdos, said news of a review of IR35 was a “promising” development if it were to be done properly. <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> “It’s widely accepted that the IR35 legislation and the way HMRC enforces it is fundamentally flawed. Liz Truss must make a review a priority if she becomes prime minister. But this mustn’t be lip service or a tactic to win votes” </figure> <figcaption> Seb Maley, Qdos </figcaption> </div> </blockquote> “It’s widely accepted that the IR35 legislation and the way HMRC enforces it is fundamentally flawed. Liz Truss must make a review a priority if she becomes prime minister. But this mustn’t be lip service or a tactic to win the votes of contractors for whom IR35 remains a massive issue,” said Maley. “It’s impossible to overlook the fact that we’ve been here before. IR35 has been reviewed multiple times in recent years, yet still the government have taken very little or no action whatsoever. So you’d forgive contractors and businesses impacted by the rules for taking Liz Truss’s pledge with a pinch of salt.” And if the review does materialise, as promised, it must be conducted by an independent third-party and be far-reaching, he added. “HMRC’s very own IR35 status tool is unreliable and inaccurate, which is a major risk to compliance. While the legislation is forcing genuinely self-employed contractors into zero-rights employment – a situation where they pay tax as employees but don’t receive any employment rights in exchange. Having specialised in this legislation since its introduction in 2000, Qdos stands ready to contribute to any review,” Maley added.  <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about IR35</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li>The <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252523228/Government-slammed-for-slow-response-to-IR35-related-consultation-on-zero-rights-employees">government has taken four years to publish its response</a> to a three-month consultation on whether employment status and tax laws should be more closely aligned, and concluded that now is not the right time to make any changes.</li> <li>The <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252503915/IR35-Contractors-demand-tax-and-employment-law-alignment-to-protect-zero-rights-workers">government is again facing calls to ensure contractors</a> who pay the same amount of tax as permanent employees also receive the same workplace benefits.</li> </ul> </div> </div> As Liz Truss continues her Conservative Party leadership campaign, she tells the national press of her plans to review the IR35 rules should she succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/London-Westminster-Parliament-1-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252524072/Contracting-market-weighs-in-on-Liz-Truss-pledge-to-review-IR35-rules-if-she-becomes-prime-minister Mon, 22 Aug 2022 10:22:00 GMT Contracting market weighs in on Liz Truss pledge to review IR35 rules if she becomes prime minister Medium-to-large private sector firms could be subject to multimillion-pound penalties for IR35 compliance errors, now the government’s 12-month pledge not to enforce the rules in a heavy-handed manner has ended. <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252498865/IR35-reforms-Private-sector-start-date-prompts-mixed-picture-of-predictions-for-contracting-market">Ahead of the IR35 reforms being extended to the private sector in April 2021</a>, business leaders were assured by the chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)  would not enforce the rules in a “heavy-handed” manner in the year after they came into force. In February 2020, HMRC reiterated this point in a statement that confirmed it would take a “light-touch” to issuing penalties to firms that have made mistakes when trying to comply with the reworked tax avoidance legislation. This grace period would last 12 months, the statement added, and would not apply in instances where there was evidence of deliberate non-compliance going on. The reforms have now had a year to bed in, and contracting experts warn that the medium-to-large private sector organisations within the scope of the reworked rules could now find themselves on the receiving end of multimillion-pound penalties for compliance failures. The IR35 legislation is one of a number of tools that HMRC has at its disposal to tackle the issue of tax avoidance within the limited company contractor community. In their original form, the legislation made limited company contractors responsible for determining if the work they did and how it was performed meant they should be taxed in the same way as permanent employees (inside IR35) or as off-payroll workers (outside IR35). Therefore, an inside IR35 determination means contractors must pay the same employment taxes and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) as permanent employees, but they are not eligible to receive workplace benefits such as paid holiday or sick leave, for example. Meanwhile, an outside IR35 classification means limited company contractors are able to pay themselves a relatively small taxable salary and make up the rest of their income in non-taxable dividends. According to HMRC, allowing contractors to decide for themselves how they should be taxed resulted in some individuals opting to deliberately mis-classify themselves as working outside IR35 to artificially minimise the amount of tax and national insurance contributions they had to pay. This prompted HMRC to rework how the legislation works in recent years, so that the end-user organisations who engage the contractors are now liable for determining if their engagements are inside or outside IR35. The same changes were first introduced to the public sector, amid much outcry, in April 2017, and since then several high-profile central government departments have been handed multimillion-pound tax bills by HMRC for implementing the changes incorrectly. As reported by Computer Weekly, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252504412/DWP-pays-HMRC-879m-after-IR35-review-reveals-historic-contractor-tax-status-assessment-errors">it came to light in July 2021 that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)</a> received an £87.9m tax bill by HMRC for “historic” errors in how it assessed the IR35 status of its contractors. Later that same month, it also emerged that the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252504614/HMRC-hits-Home-Office-with-335m-bill-over-careless-application-of-IR35-rules">Home Office had been landed with a £33.6m tax bill over its “careless” application of the IR35 rules</a>. Furthermore, in late 2021, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252511198/Defra-and-MoJ-hit-with-120m-IR35-tax-bill-despite-using-HMRC-guidance">the publication of the Ministry of Justice’s Annual Report and Accounts confirmed it had incurred a liability of £72.1m, plus £4.5m in interest, for similar mistakes</a>. Scant detail has been made publicly available about just how some of these public sector organisations have fallen foul of the IR35 rules, aside from comments about how some of them had incorrectly assessed the tax status of their contractors. Meanwhile, the legislation states that end-user organisations must take “reasonable care” when deciding how the contractors they engage should be taxed. With today marking the end of HMRC’s 12-month period of “light-touch” enforcement activities, Seb Maley, CEO of IR35 compliance and insurance consultancy Qdos, said private sector firms are now at risk of receiving similarly sized fines for implementing the reforms wrongly. “HMRC can now issue businesses staggering financial penalties for carelessly applying IR35. You only need to look at the public sector…for evidence of how seriously HMRC are taking compliance,” he said. “With this in mind, it’s never been more important for businesses to review their existing processes and ensure IR35 compliance.” This is especially, as he pointed out, that the chancellor’s recent Spring Statement revealed that HMRC is due to receive an additional £161m in funding over the next five years to enforce tax compliance. “The number of tax investigations already having risen by 9% in the second half of last year, so IR35 is set to be a key area of focus going forward,” he added. His comments were echoed by Matt Fryer, head of legal services at contractor-focused law firm Brookson Legal, who said some firms have already started preparing for the end of HMRC’s “soft-launch” period by taking steps to ensure their compliance procedures are on point. “Many businesses have asked us to reassess their solution in recent months. This is especially true for those organisations that have not engaged with IR35 since their initial audit, leading them to seek advice and reassurance around meeting HMRC’s reasonable care threshold,” he said. “Businesses that have implemented effective IR35 processes and procedures to manage the status of off-payroll workers have been able to use this time to explore how they can continue to demonstrate ‘reasonable care’ beyond initial status determinations. “As these organisations move onto the next step in their IR35 journey, they’re reviewing contracts and implementing staff training – both of which have been highlighted by HMRC as crucial parts of an ongoing ‘reasonable care’ responsibility. “This is driving an increase in mock investigations and supply chain audits, as hirers begin to stress test their solutions and ensure that they are confident and compliant in the case of an HMRC investigation,” he added.  <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about IR35</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252514613/IR35-private-sector-reforms-one-year-on-Assessing-the-impact-on-the-UKs-tech-talent-pool">With the first anniversary of the IR35 reforms taking effect in the private sector</a> fast approaching, IT contractors set out how the changes have affected their ability to find work in the UK.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252513255/IR35-reforms-HMRC-slammed-for-over-collecting-tax-from-non-compliant-public-sector-bodies">HMRC has moved to play down claims it is collecting more tax</a> than it is due when tackling non-compliance with the IR35 reforms in the public sector.</li> </ul> </div> </div> HMRC confirmed, in the lead up to the IR35 reforms coming into force in the private sector in April 2021, that it would be taking a ‘light-touch’ approach to enforcing the rules for 12 months. And that grace period ends today https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/HMRC-tax-income-finance-3-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252515619/IR35-reforms-Private-sector-warned-HMRCs-12-month-light-touch-enforcement-period-is-ending Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:30:00 GMT IR35 reforms: Private sector warned HMRC's 12-month 'light-touch' enforcement period is ending Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has confirmed the supercomputer it set live on the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2021 has now successfully completed 24 research experiments, with drastically reduced data processing times. The HPE Spaceborne Computer-2 (SBC-2) is an edge computing device that was deployed onboard the ISS with the intention of making it possible for researchers to use artificial intelligence (AI) to progress efforts to launch a manned mission to Mars. The setup is also designed to test out ways that astronauts can bypass the latency issues and wait times that occur when sending data back down to Earth by allowing them to process their data locally instead. It can also be used to compress the size of the data astronauts send down to Earth, and – in turn – speed up the time it takes to transmit this information to them. For example, HPE said 1.8 GB of raw DNA sequence data used to take an average time of 12.2 hours to download to Earth for initial processing, but that can now be compressed down to 92KB and send down to Earth in two seconds using SBC-2.   The experiments SBC-2 has been involved in to-date have required it to process data in real-time, HPE confirmed, and it has also been used to test new applications to assess their reliability when run in space as part of an effort to increase the autonomy of astronauts. “These experiments spanned use cases supporting healthcare, image processing, natural disaster recovery, 3D printing, 5G, and solutions enabled by artificial intelligence,” said HPE, in a statement. One of the experiments, <a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2022/04/04/this-hands-on-ai-based-test-project-will-help-ensure-astronaut-gloves-are-safe-in-space/?msclkid=3dcf2c3db4af11ec82a4cadac3da0f3a">conducted in collaboration with Microsoft</a>, focused on using AI-enabled damage detection technology to assess the state of the gloves that astronauts wear while in space, and flag areas of damage to NASA scientists on the ground that might require further analysis. Another of the experiments centred on the use of 3D printing technology, using validated software, that has the potential to support deep space travel in future by allowing astronauts to repair and build replacement equipment while in orbit. Mark Fernandez, principal investigator for SBC-2 at HPE, said each of the completed experiments “demonstrates new possibilities for space exploration and milestones for humanity”. He added: “By introducing edge computing and AI capabilities to the International Space Station with Spaceborne Computer-2, we have helped foster a growing, collaborative research community that shares a common goal to make scientific and engineering breakthroughs that benefit humankind, on space and here on Earth.”   SBC-2 was officially launched into space in February 2021, ahead of its installation on the ISS in May 2021. As detailed by Computer Weekly at the time of its launch, the microwave-sized device is built around HPE’s Edgeline EL4000 converged edge computing devices and one of its ProLiant DL360 Gen110 appliances. It is set to be in place for up to three years.   <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about HPE’s work on the International Space Station </h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252505573/HPE-Microsoft-supercomputing-collaboration-on-ISS-speeds-research-into-space-travel-health-impacts">Several months on from the deployment of a microwave-sized supercomputer</a> on the International Space Station, details of the research it’s powering have started to emerge.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/Cliff-Sarans-Enterprise-blog/The-consequence-of-IT-failure-on-a-space-mission">If everything goes to plan, an HPE edge server</a>, Spaceborne Computer-2, will soon be running on the International Space Station, proving that commodity x86 hardware can be used to run mission critical systems on manned space missions.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Nearly one year on from its deployment, HPE shares details of some of the successful experiments its space-based supercomputer has been involved with https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/earth-space-network-comms-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252515535/HPE-offers-up-progress-report-on-how-its-space-bound-supercomputer-is-performing Tue, 05 Apr 2022 04:45:00 GMT HPE offers up progress report on how its space-based supercomputer is performing The Uptime Institute estimated as far back as 2015 that idle servers could be wasting around 30% of their consumed energy, with improvements fuelled by trends such as virtualisation largely plateaued. <a href="https://journal.uptimeinstitute.com/optimizing-server-refresh-cycles-with-an-aging-moores-law/">According to Uptime</a>, the proportion of power consumed by “functionally dead” servers in the datacentre looks to be creeping up again, which is not what operators want to hear as they <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/How-to-beat-the-heat-What-can-datacentre-operators-do-to-meet-emissions-targets">struggle to contain costs and target sustainability</a>. Todd Traver, vice-president for <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/ehandbook/Datacentre-design-Building-leaner-greener-server-farms">digital resiliency</a> at the Uptime Institute, confirms that the issue is worthy of attention. “The analysis of idle power consumption will drive focus on the IT planning and processes around application design, procurement and the business processes that enabled the server to be installed in the datacentre in the first place,” Traver tells ComputerWeekly. Yet <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Evolving-datacentre-chipsets-put-cooling-power-and-software-management-techniques-under-microscope">higher performance multi-core</a> servers, requiring higher idle power in the range of 20W or more than lower-power servers, can deliver performance improvements of over 200% versus lower-powered servers, he notes. If a datacentre was myopically focused on reducing power consumed by servers, that would drive the wrong buying behaviour. “This could actually increase overall power consumption since it would significantly sub-optimise the amount of workload processed per watt consumed,” warns Traver. So, what should be done? Datacentre operators can play a role in helping to reduce idle power by, for instance, ensuring the hardware provides performance based on the service-level objectives (SLO) required by the application they must support. “Some IT shops tend to over-purchase server performance, ‘Just in case’,” adds Traver. He notes that resistance from IT teams worried about application performance can be encountered, but careful planning should ensure many applications easily withstand properly implemented hardware power management, without affecting end user or SLO targets. Start by sizing server components and capabilities for the workload and understanding the application and its requirements alongside throughput, response time, memory use, cache, and so on. Then ensure hardware C-state power management functions are turned on and used, says Traver. Stage three is continuous monitoring and increasing of server utilisation, with software available to help balance workload across servers, he adds. Sascha Giese, head geek at infrastructure management provider SolarWinds, agrees: “With orchestration software which is in use in in bigger datacentres, we would actually be able to dynamically shut down machines that are no use right now. That can help quite a lot.”  Improving the machines themselves and changing mindsets remains important – shifting away from an over-emphasis on high performance. Shutting things down might also extend hardware lifetimes. Giese says that even with technological improvements happening at server level and increased densities, broader considerations remain that go beyond agility. It’s all one part of a larger puzzle, which might not offer a perfect solution, he says. New thinking might address how <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/Eyes-on-APAC/How-AIOps-is-changing-the-face-of-modern-IT-operations">energy consumption and utilisation are measured and interpreted</a>, which can be different within different organisations and even budgeted for differently. “Obviously, it is in the interest of administrators to provide a lot of resources. That’s a big problem because they might not consider the ongoing costs, which is basically what you’re after in the big picture,” says Giese. <h3>Designing power-saving schemes</h3> Simon Riggs, PostgreSQL fellow at managed database provider EDB, has worked frequently on <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/CW-Developer-Network/Infrastructure-as-Code-series-Ondat-IaC-is-the-means-to-a-DevOps-end">power consumption codes as a developer</a>. When implementing power reduction techniques in software, including PostgreSQL, the team starts by analysing the software with Linux PowerTop to see which parts of the system wake up when idle. Then they look at the code to learn which wait loops are active. A typical design pattern for normal operation might be waking when requests for work arrive or every two to five seconds to recheck status. After 50 idle loops, the pattern might be to move from normal to hibernate mode but move straight back to normal mode when woken for work. The team reduces power consumption by extending wait loop timeouts to 60 seconds, which Riggs says gives a good balance between responsiveness and power consumption. “This scheme is fairly easy to implement, and we encourage all software authors to follow these techniques to reduce server power consumption,” Riggs adds. “Although it seems obvious, adding a ‘low power mode’ isn’t high on the priority list for many businesses.” Progress can and should be reviewed regularly, he points out – adding that he has spotted a few more areas that the EDB team can clean up when it comes to power consumption coding while maintaining responsiveness of the application. “Probably everybody thinks that it’s somebody else’s job to tackle these things. Yet, perhaps 50-75% of servers out there are not used much,” he says. “In a business such as a bank with 5,000-10,000 databases, quite a lot of those don’t do that much. A lot of those databases are 1GB or less and might only have a few transactions per day.” Jonathan Bridges is chief innovation officer at cloud provider Exponential-e, which has a presence in 34 UK datacentres. He says that cutting back on powering inactive servers is crucial to datacentres looking to become more sustainable and make savings, with so many workloads – including <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512693/Nebulon-SmartInfrastructure-brings-cloud-defined-storage-to-datacentre">cloud environments</a> – idle for large chunks of time, and scale-out has often not been architected effectively. “We’re finding a lot of<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/answer/What-are-some-ghost-image-creation-issues"> ghost VMs [virtual machines]</a>,” Bridges says. “We see people trying to put in software technology so cloud management platforms typically federate those multiple environments.” Persistent monitoring may reveal underutilised workloads and other gaps which can be targeted with automation and business process logic to enable switch off or at least a more strategic business choice around the IT spend. However, what typically happens especially with the prevalence of shadow IT is that IT departments don’t actually know what’s happening. Also, these problems can become more prevalent as organisations grow, spread and disperse globally and manage multiple off-the-shelf systems that weren’t originally designed to work together, Bridges notes. “Typically, you <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/tip/How-to-choose-the-right-DCIM-tool-for-better-configuration">monitor for things being available</a>, you more monitor for performance on things. You’re not really looking into those to work out that they’re not being consumed,” he says. “Unless they’re set up to look across all the departments and also not to do just traditional monitoring and checking.” Refactoring applications to become cloud native for public cloud or on-premise containerisation might present an opportunity in this respect to build applications more effectively for efficient scale-ups – or scale-downs – that help reduce power consumption per server. While power efficiency and density improvements have been achieved, the industry should now be seeking to do better still – and quickly, Bridges suggests. Organisations setting out to assess what is happening might find that they’re already quite efficient, but more often than not they <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Hybrid-IT-Making-datacentre-and-cloud-work-better-together">might find some overprovisioning</a> that can be tackled without waiting for new tech advancements. “We’re at a point in time where the challenges we’ve had across the world, which has affected the supply chain and a whole host of things, are seeing the cost of energy skyrocket,” Bridges says. “Cost inflation on power alone can be adding 6-10% on your cost.” Ori Pekelman, chief product officer at platform-as-a-service (PaaS) provider Platform.sh, agrees that server idle issues can be tackled. However, he insists that it must come back to reconsideration of overall mindset on the best ways to consume computer resources. “When you see how software is running today in the cloud, the level of inefficiency you see is absolutely ridiculous,” he says. <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Inefficiency not in isolation"> <h2 class="section-title">Inefficiency not in isolation</h2> Not only are servers running idle but there are all of the other considerations around <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/tip/Can-green-colocation-help-orgs-meet-sustainability-targets">sustainability</a>, such as Scope 3 calculations. For example, upgrades might turn out to have a net negative effect, even if the server power consumption levels on a daily basis are lower after installing new kit. The move to cloud itself can obscure some of these considerations, simply because bills for energy and water use and so on are abstracted away and not in the end user’s face. And datacentre providers themselves can also have incentives to obscure some of those costs in the drive for business and customer growth. “It’s not simply about idle servers,” Pekelman says.  “And datacentre emissions have not ballooned over the past 20 years. The only way to think about this is to take a while to build the models – robust models that take into account a number of years and don’t concentrate only on energy usage per server.” Fixing these issues will require more engineering and “actual science”, he warns. Providers are still using techniques that are 20 years old while still not being able to share and scale better utilised loads when usage patterns are already “very full”. This might mean for example, reducing duplicated images if possible and instead only having a single <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/Quocirca-Insights/Information-management-when-metadata-is-king">copy</a> on every server. Workloads could also be localised or <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252482704/Sustainability-credentials-of-underground-datacentre-in-Norway-lure-green-investment-fund">dynamically shifted around the world</a> – for example, to Sweden for instead of France to be supplied with nuclear – depending on your perspective of the benefits of those energy sources. Some of this might require trade-offs in other areas, such as availability and the latencies required, to achieve the flexibility needed. This might not be what datacentre providers want for themselves, but should ultimately help them deliver what customers are increasingly likely to be looking for. “Generally, if you’re not a datacentre provider, your interests are more aligned with those of the planet,” Pekelman suggests. “Trade off goals versus <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Five-ways-to-boost-systems-utilisation-in-the-datacentre">efficiency</a>, perhaps not now but later. The good news is that it means doing software better.” <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about datacentre management</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/How-to-beat-the-heat-What-can-datacentre-operators-do-to-meet-emissions-targets">With new mandates around sustainability proliferating</a>, datacentres must find ways to meet their environmental goals while remaining competitive and meeting customer service-level expectations.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Sharp-end-of-the-edge-Managing-micro-datacentres-in-a-shared-environment">Ongoing diversification in datacentre types</a> gives rise to management challenges for operators, prompting a rethink about how they run their sites.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> Servers can be the slackers of the datacentre, consuming power without doing much work. Why not whip them into shape? https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/datacenter-monitoring-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/A-waste-of-energy-Dealing-with-idle-servers-in-the-datacentre Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:30:00 GMT A waste of energy: Dealing with idle servers in the datacentre Contractors across the UK are continuing to be blighted by the fallout from last month’s cyber attacks on two of the umbrella sector’s biggest players, with complaints persisting about delayed wage payments and disrupted communications. Several <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512026/Umbrella-company-Brookson-self-refers-to-NCSC-following-cyber-attack-on-its-network">weeks have passed since Parasol and Brookson Group</a> were targeted in separate suspected ransomware attacks, which left both firms struggling to pay the thousands of contractors they both collectively employ. In the time since the attacks, which occurred during the second week of January, both firms have issued statements suggesting they are in the process of resuming their normal operations, but their contractors have continued to complain of missing, delayed and incorrect salary payments. A Parasol contractor, speaking to Computer Weekly on condition of anonymity, said – in the wake of the attack on its systems – he has not been paid by the firm since mid-December, leaving him out of pocket to the tune of at least £3,000.    “My agency has paid the Parasol invoices, but Parasol are just sitting on my money and not paying me a single penny,” he said. To minimise the disruption and damage caused by the attacks, both firms moved to proactively disable some of their customer-facing systems, rendering Brookson Group’s website inaccessible for several days. This process is also known to have made it difficult for Parasol’s contractors to contact the firm over the phone, with the company advising its contractors to rely on its website’s Live Chat function to chase payments and contact the firm. “Yesterday, I had an hour’s wait on the web chat system to speak to one of their agents, and they said someone would get back to me and nobody did,” the contractor added. <h3>TrustPilot reviews</h3> The reviews Parasol has garnered on the business rating website TrustPilot in recent days suggest other contractors are in a similar boat, <a href="https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.parasolgroup.co.uk">with many reporting missing payments or receiving erroneous amounts for the work they have done</a>. In a statement to Computer Weekly, Parasol said the company is “running daily payrolls” and “making great progress catching up on payments”, but acknowledged that some of its contractors are still chasing late payments. “Our payroll system is now fully operational, which means all employees are receiving pay calculated in the usual way, and on their normal pay day. Any outstanding amounts owed will also be reconciled,” the company said. “We are currently running daily payrolls and, although we are making great progress catching up on payments, there may still be some delay, and money may land in our employees’ bank accounts later than usual.” It added: “As we transition towards restoring all of our systems, including phone lines, we recognise that service levels may remain impacted. If any employees are experiencing difficulties, we would urge them to get in touch via our LiveChat function straight away.” <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about cyber attacks on umbrella companies</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512199/Umbrella-company-cyber-attacks-disrupt-salary-payments-to-thousands-of-contractors">Thousands of contractors across the UK are anxiously waiting to see if their payroll</a> cycles will be disrupted for a second week, after two of the umbrella industry's biggest players were targeted by cyber criminals.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512500/Umbrella-company-cyber-attacks-prompt-fresh-calls-for-sector-regulation-to-protect-contractors">With the umbrella company industry increasingly finding</a> itself under attack from cyber criminals, contracting market stakeholders embark on a fresh round of calls for the industry to be regulated.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Brookson Group, meanwhile, has also seen its review page on TrustPilot besieged with reports from contractors who are missing wages and experiencing difficulties when trying to contact the firm, <a href="https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.brooksonone.co.uk">with some chasing thousands of pounds’ worth of payments</a>. “We have not been paid for weeks, but our agencies have sent the money into Brookson,” said one reviewer. “We have been told [it will arrive] next week or by the end of the week too many times. We can’t pay bills. “I was promised 60% of my gross monthly salary and got 50%,” wrote another of the firm’s contractors. “[I] can’t get an answer as to when the salary will be corrected and reconciled.” In a statement to Computer Weekly, from Brookson Group CEO Andrew Fahey, the company said it has now restored its internally facing accountancy, tax and payroll systems, as part of its ongoing post-attack business recovery procedures. “This is great news and we have started working to bring data from our contingency processes into our internally facing systems so that we can begin to deliver service as normal in as short a time as possible,” he said. “Cyber crime is forever evolving and becoming more common in wider society, so while no organisation can eliminate the risks of this type of incident, we are working hard to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. “In line with normal business service, customers will shortly receive updates on their VAT, PAYE and self-assessment processes,” the statement added. Several weeks on from the suspected ransomware attack that blighted two of the umbrella industry’s biggest players, contractors are still chasing their missing money https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/rms/computerweekly/weather-rain-umbrella-adobe.jpeg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512871/Brookson-and-Parasol-cyber-attacks-Contractor-complaints-about-delayed-payments-continue Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:45:00 GMT Brookson and Parasol cyber attacks: Contractor complaints about delayed payments continue Imperial College London is working with the Abu Dhabi-based Technology Innovation Institute to create an operating system (OS) that is intended to change the way datacentre operators secure their cloud technology stacks. The two organisations are embarking on a three-year programme of research that they claim will culminate in the creation of a “trustworthy” cloud OS designed for use in heterogenous off-premise environments, built around ARM and RISC-V architectures. Shreekant Thakkar, doctor and chief researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute’s Secure Systems Research Centre, said that the reasons for focusing its efforts on these types of architectures is because they are “likely to play a more significant role in future datacentres and cloud environments”. Thakkar added: “The research project with Imperial College aims to find solutions based on AArch64, and it fits nicely with other research and use cases as SSRC is doing a lot of work on ARM-based and RISC-V platforms and on OS in phones and drones. Easily applicable to today’s mobile devices, the project’s solutions will simplify the unification of cloud and edge security approaches.” The SSRC said it plans to get a jump-start on its efforts to create a new OS by drawing on the research Imperial College’s Large Scale Data & Systems Group has already undertaken into library OS, hardware security mechanisms, cloud security approaches and trusted execution support, continued Thakkar. “The project will [also] help ensure a compartmentalised implementation of OS functionality that maintains compatibility of existing cloud workloads with POSIX [Portable Operating System Interface] standards,” the organisations said, in a joint statement. Peter Pietzuch, professor of distributed systems at Imperial College London, said that the overall aim of the project is to change how cloud datacentre operators approach securing their hardware-based systems, “While cloud security mostly focuses on software-based solutions, this research project will aim to develop the specific technologies for system security regarding lightweight hardware-assisted container isolation,” added Pietzuch. Ray Johnson, doctor and CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, said the collaboration with Imperial is in keeping with its mission to help bring to market “breakthrough technology” offerings that stand to make the world a “safe and more empowered place. “Given that purpose, university and industry partnerships, such as this one between SSRC and Imperial College London, are crucial in helping us combine forces with like-minded researchers around the world to deliver transformative outcomes,” Johnson said. “Cyber security depends on merging cutting-edge hardware and software to fortify systems and preserve confidentiality where needed.” <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about datacentre security</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Getting-physical-with-datacentre-security">Whether it is natural disasters, terrorism or break-ins, datacentres</a> will be vulnerable to a range of risks unless they are physically secured. Here’s how you can improve the physical security of your datacentre.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/The-National-Security-and-Investment-Act-What-datacentre-operators-and-investors-need-to-know">The incoming National Security and Investment Act </a>will give the UK government enhanced powers to pre-screen and intervene on datacentre M&A deals, prompting concerns it could dampen the sector’s growth rates.</li> </ul> </div> </div> Imperial College London is embarking on a three-year project with an Abu Dhabi-based group of researchers to find ways for datacentre operators and cloud providers to secure their infrastructure https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/German/article/cloud-access-and-identity-2-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252512537/Imperial-College-London-embarks-on-cloud-datacentre-security-research-push-with-Abu-Dhabi-tech-hub Thu, 27 Jan 2022 06:45:00 GMT Imperial College London embarks on cloud security research push with Abu Dhabi tech hub A growing number of end-user organisations appear to be shunning HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) online Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool when assessing whether their contractor engagements fall within scope of the IR35 tax avoidance rules. That is <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510383/IR35-reforms-Contractors-report-widespread-blanket-bans-and-project-disruption-in-impacts-survey">according to further data released through the IR35 Impact Survey</a>, a study by compliance consultancy IR35 Shield, which featured input from 3,750 contractors about their take on how the roll-out of the IR35 reforms to the private sector in April 2021 affected them and the companies they worked for. The reforms, introduced by HMRC as part of its ongoing clampdown on disguised employment, were first rolled out to the public sector in April 2017 before being extended to the private sector in April 2021. Before the changes came into force, limited company contractors were responsible for determining whether or not the work they did for their end-clients meant they should be taxed in the same way as permanent employees (inside IR35) or off-payroll workers (outside IR35). The key difference between these determinations is that inside-IR35 contractors are liable to pay the same employment taxes and national insurance contributions (NICs) as permanent employees, but are not entitled to receive workplace benefits such as holiday pay or pension contributions. According to HMRC, this system of self-classification has resulted in some contractors deliberately misclassifying themselves as working outside IR35 in an effort to minimise their employment tax liabilities. To counteract this, HMRC has now revised the IR35 rules so that responsibility for determining how contractors should be taxed falls on the end-client, with organisations encouraged to use CEST to inform these decisions. However, the IR35 Shield survey results suggest a downturn in the number of status determinations being carried out using CEST in recent months, with 60% of respondents indicating a preference for using third-party IR35 status assessment tools over relying on the HMRC offering. Also, when the reforms came into force in April 2021, 56% of respondents said their role was assessed using the HMRC tool, but by November, this figured had dropped to 49%. During the same period, the number of respondents who had their IR35 status assessed using third-party tools rose from 39% to 44%. The CEST tool has come in for heavy criticism since it was introduced ahead of the IR35 reforms being rolled out to the public sector in April 2017, <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450414256/HMRC-blasted-over-inaccurate-and-unreliable-IR35-online-assessment-tool">with reports describing it as “inaccurate” and “unreliable”.</a> Despite numerous updates being rolled out to CEST over the years, including a sizeable revamp in anticipation of the IR35 reforms being rolled out to the private sector, the tool has continued to attract criticism for failing to return results and for being out of step with IR35 case law. A trawl through the evidence shared during the House of Lords Finance Bill Sub-Committee’s ongoing inquiry into how the IR35 reforms have affected the private sector has also seen <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252503147/IR35-reforms-HMRC-questioned-about-CEST-as-tax-status-of-210000-contractors-left-undetermined">CEST condemned for being error-prone</a>. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about IR35 and CEST</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252503147/IR35-reforms-HMRC-questioned-about-CEST-as-tax-status-of-210000-contractors-left-undetermined">Data published by HMRC confirms that the tax authority’s IR35</a> status checker tool has failed to determined how contractors should be taxed in hundreds of thousands of cases since November 2019.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252474574/Revamped-HMRC-IR35-status-checker-tool-still-lacks-key-functionality-contractor-groups-claim">HMRC releases an updated version of its IR35 tax status checker tool</a>, CEST, to accommodate the onset of the tax avoidance reforms being rolled out to the private sector, but contracting stakeholders claim it still lacks basic functionality.</li> </ul> </div> </div> In its written feedback to the inquiry, the <a href="https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/40892/html/">Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC</a>) acknowledged that some minor improvements had been made to CEST, but “there is a broad consensus that it is not fit for purpose”. It added: “The CEST tool also appears inaccurate. Oftentimes, changing the response to a single question can change a determination from ‘inside IR35’ to ‘outside IR35’. As a consequence, the CEST tool is not sophisticated enough for hirers to be able to rely on it in many cases to meet their obligation under the rules to use reasonable care when reaching a conclusion.” Other findings from the IR35 Shield survey included feedback from 65% of respondents that the firms they worked for had lost at least half of their contractors in the wake of the reforms coming into play because of how these firms approached complying with the changes. As previously reported by Computer Weekly, the roll-out of the reforms saw many of the medium-to-large private sector firms in scope of the reforms employ compliance tactics that resulted in contractors leaving those companies. These tactics included issuing hiring bans that prohibited the ongoing use of limited company contractors beyond April 2021, because this would absolve these firms from needing to carry out status determinations. Other firms opted to issue blanket determinations that resulted in all of their contractors being declared as working inside IR35. Some 60% of respondents to the IR35 Shield survey said taking on an inside-IR35 role would not be a “financially viable” option for them, with 73% saying they would be worse off if they did so. Also, 41% of respondents said they were out of work for six months or more after the reforms took effect. Dave Chaplin, CEO of IR35 Shield, said the survey results suggest, nine months on from the reforms coming into force, that end-clients are now taking steps to rejig their IR35 compliance policies to make their companies a more appealing place for contractors to work. “The levels of blanket bans are decreasing and the use of specialised assessment firms is increasing,” said Chaplin. “The number of firms using HMRC’s CEST tool is also on the decline, as trust in its accuracy is virtually non-existent. “The supposed protection it provides, by way of HMRC’s non-statutory promise to stand by the CEST results, only gets a 4% vote. The drop in use is perhaps due to the multiple government bodies that used CEST and <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252473355/NHS-Digital-hit-with-43m-IR35-related-tax-bill-after-using-HMRC-CEST-tool-to-assess-contractors">followed HMRC’s guidance, but who are now facing combined tax bills and fines of some £250m</a>. “That said, the dust is settling and firms are realising that blanket measures are not in their best interest as they lose out on the best talent. Firms that adhere properly to their compliance obligations can confidently navigate the new legislation without fear that HMRC will challenge them.” HMRC has dismissed the survey's findings, in a statement to Computer Weekly, claiming there is “simply no evidence” of a drop-off in the use of CEST, citing its own usage data as proof, which shows use of it peaked in March 2021 before the onset of the private sector reforms. “Usage since then has been consistently in excess of the usage at the same point in the previous year,” an agency spokesperson added.  “Other status determination tools are available but none benefit from HMRC’s commitment to stand behind the result of CEST, provided accurate and correct information is used, in accordance with our guidance,” a spokesperson for the government tax collection agency said. “The tool was rigorously tested against case law and settled cases by officials and external experts.” Latest tranche of data from IR35 Shield's Impacts Survey suggests enterprises are increasingly seeking out alternative methods to assess the tax status of contractors rather than rely on HMRC’s CEST tool https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/HMRC-3-Fotolia.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252511942/IR35-Impact-survey-suggests-downturn-in-use-of-HMRC-CEST-tool-by-enterprises Thu, 13 Jan 2022 04:45:00 GMT IR35: Impact survey suggests downturn in use of HMRC CEST tool by enterprises Luxembourg has long been a major financial centre in Europe, with nearly 130 authorised banks. It is also the second biggest market in the world – behind the US – for investment funds, with more than €5.6bn in net assets being managed in the country.   It isn’t surprising that an increasing number of fintech companies are choosing Luxembourg for their European headquarters. The small European country is unique because of the language skills not only among the people working for the different companies, but also among the regulators. The three official languages are French, German and Luxembourgish. But applications and contracts can be written in English – and still be fully recognised by the courts.  Switzerland offers similar language advantages, and the ability to use English. But one thing that Switzerland doesn’t have compared to Luxembourg is access to the European market. When a company gets a banking license in Luxembourg, the license can be “passported” to all other EU countries.  As part of an overall strategy to capture a larger part of the global market share for fintech, the government of Luxembourg has helped set up <a href="https://www.lhoft.com/">The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT</a>), a not-for-profit collaboration between government and the private sector. The LHoFT aims to drive digitalisation in financial services and ensure the future of the financial services industry in the country. Not only does the collaboration help to incubate more than 80 startups in a facility in the centre of Luxembourg, but it also helps “the new kids on the block” gain access to top executives in established firms and to government officials.  One company that joined the LHoFT and benefited from Luxembourg as a gateway into Europe is Tryolabs – an enterprise that was created in Uruguay by a group of artificial intelligence (AI) experts 12 years ago, when there were very few practical applications of AI. As the market grew, the company built a business developing custom solutions based on <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/How-emotion-analytics-will-impact-the-future-of-NLP">natural language processing</a> (NLP), computer vision and predictive models. The startup helped customers solve problems with supply chain management, manufacturing, retail and e-commerce.   More recently, Tryolabs discovered the growing demand for AI in the finance industry – mostly around automating internal processes to scale to higher volumes of information. It applied AI to processing very high volumes of data and picking out the most relevant information. Two big areas where these kinds of solutions are in growing demand are <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252505107/Third-of-finance-firms-accelerate-use-of-artificial-intelligence-to-detect-money-laundering">anti-money laundering</a> (AML) and <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/KYC-a-financial-services-business-enabler">know-your-customer</a> (KYC). Another area where information is important in asset management, employing a technique sometimes referred to as Alternative Alpha, where alternative data sources are used to better understand markets to provide more valuable insights to decision makers.  Tryolabs recently began building solutions that use NLP to process news sources and sum up the pieces of information most important to the client. Rather than check all the different news outlets throughout the day, brokers can now read a summary to get the right information in 10 minutes.  “We had been working for almost nine years, mostly in the US, with US companies,” says Ernesto Rodriguez, co-founder and COO of Tryolabs. “About four years ago, we began seeing more opportunity in Europe and started working with European companies. We saw a very good market opportunity, but knew we would need a more formal presence in the EU. “We chose Luxembourg as our gateway to the European market. Through the LHoFT, we developed a great network of fintech companies, banks and insurance companies, and ended up working with some of them.”  <h3>The three pillars of the LHoFT </h3> Three pillars drive the actions of the LHoFT. The first is cooperation and ecosystem development – connecting people, making sure the different stakeholders are in touch with one another and aligned. The LHoFT provides a way for people from the financial industry to spot new technologies, new companies and new solutions. Likewise, it helps people from technology companies understand the traditional financial industry, the latest challenges, and the kinds of solutions being sought.  The second pillar is knowledge. The LHoFT runs a series of educational programmes – a mix of webinars, live seminars and entrepreneurial workshops. It runs boot camps, specifically on financial inclusion and on early-stage fintech development.  The third pillar is research and projects. The LHoFT conducts research and publishes the key findings, sometimes in collaboration with other organisations in Luxembourg or abroad. LHoFT also instigates and helps develop a variety of industry-wide projects related to financial technology. For example, the LHoFT works with industry players in Luxembourg to develop a centralised <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252467505/Six-Nordic-banks-form-alliance-to-offer-KYC-as-a-service">know-your-customer</a> (KYC) facility. They also plan to develop a centralised, standardised due diligence platform to speed up the process of procurement for all industry players.   “The LHoFT board exemplifies the cooperation we seek to encourage,” says Nasir Zubairi, CEO of The LHoFT. “The chairman of our board, Pierre Gramegna, is Luxembourg’s minister of finance. Other ministries are represented on the board – including the ministry of economy, and the ministry of state. “They sit alongside the CEOs of 13 private sector institutions, broadly representative of the traditional finance sector in Luxembourg, including banks, insurance companies, the big four advisory firms, and tech firms. “Our philosophy is that the future is all about collaboration between the traditional finance sector and the fintech sector and getting companies to work together.”  The LHoFT plays an additional role outside of Luxembourg. It acts on behalf of Luxembourg internationally, representing the country on key steering committees and councils around the world – including the IMF steering committee for finance and technology, and the blockchain expert policy advisory board of the OECD.  <h3>The advantages of doing business in Luxembourg </h3> “One of the key ingredients that makes Luxembourg such a good place to start a company in fintech is the proximity with decision makers,” says Jonathan Prince, serial entrepreneur. “The LHoFT acts a catalyst to help make those connections.”  In 2010, Prince joined Mpulse, which in partnership with mobile phone operators is now the number one player in Luxembourg around micro-payments, with roughly 95% market share, according to Prince. In 2012, he co-founded Digicash, a mobile payment solution, in partnership with retail banks.  “Digicash has very high traction in Luxembourg,” says Prince. “This is one of the very few countries in Europe where <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252502539/Contactless-payments-accounted-for-a-quarter-of-all-UK-payments-in-2020">mobile payment</a> is used by most of the population. More than 40% of the entire population of Luxembourg is actively using our app – for remote payments such as invoices payments, in-shop payments and for money transfers between users.”  <blockquote class="main-article-pullquote"> <div class="main-article-pullquote-inner"> <figure> This is one of the very few countries in Europe where mobile payment is used by most of the population </figure> <figcaption> Jonathan Prince, entrepreneur </figcaption> </div> </blockquote> While Digicash and a few other B2C solutions have met with success in Luxembourg, the size of the population does not offer a big opportunity for anything consumer based. In some cases, the country can serve as a proving ground, a springboard into larger markets – such as France, Germany and Italy. But there is far more opportunity in B2B solutions, targeting the relatively dense population of businesses in the country.  In 2017, Prince helped launch a B2B company, Finologee, which offers regtech software. “We are a platform operator,” he says. “We are ourselves regulated, and we have a PFS [Professionals of the Financial Sector] license, which is very specific to Luxembourg. A PFS license gives framework that makes it easier for banks and insurance companies to outsource to us. We operate as an IT provider to them. “We serve different verticals, using different product lines around payments and KYC, and regulatory reporting. More than 50 financial institutions rely on us for some of their processes, including 35 banks that we help with conformance to PSD2 regulation. For KYC, insurance companies and banks use our products and platforms to onboard new customers or to update information on existing customers.”  <h3>From early adopter to net exporter of FinTech  </h3> “As a country, our initial focus has been on attracting technology providers and being a customer of fintech,” says Zubairi at LHoFT. “The simple rational is that Luxembourg doesn’t have a lot of people to start companies. We have a small population of 600,000 people. We also have 200,000 people commuting in every day from France, Germany and Belgium. Even with this daily influx of people from outside the country, there just aren’t a lot of human resources.”  Nevertheless, the country’s strategy has paid off in some areas. The first phase in Luxembourg’s approach to fintech was to look for good technology providers from abroad to show them there is a business opportunity and to show them that Luxembourg is a great place to do business. The influx of new technology has inspired people who were already in Luxembourg to join the fintech revolution and set up their own businesses.  “The two big developing areas in Luxembourg are blockchain and regtech, because [the latter] aligns perfectly with the industry here,” says Zubairi. “We are Europe’s back office in many ways, and we collaborate closely with our EU friends. Because we handle of lot of regulation ourselves, it’s a natural place for people to develop software and services. Luxembourg now has around 35% of the EUs regtech economy.”  Prince add:S “RegTech also includes a lot of reporting. Financial institutions get a lot of pressure from regulators to have more control over their clients, and to report more to the regulator. Almost every month there’s a new regulation, with new obligations. So regtech is a hot area of fintech.”  Two especially hot areas in regtech are KYC and AML. For KYC, software helps companies collect and analyse information on customers, allowing financial institutions to better identify risks involved in maintaining a business relation. For the broader area of AML, financial institutions are required to monitor customer transactions and report on suspicious activity. Software helps them collect information and analyse behavior.  <h3>The human factor </h3> “<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252465189/Luxembourg-tech-startups-get-premium-connections">Access to decision makers is a key differentiator</a> for Luxembourg,” says Zubairi. “You bump into the CEOs of the financial institutions – or even the prime minister – grocery shopping on the weekend. They’re all down to earth. Everybody is easily accessible. Everybody is easy to talk to. Things get done quickly because Luxembourg has the agility of a startup relative to other countries.”  Tryolabs’ CEO Ernesto Rodriguez says: “Luxembourg is an open and dynamic place to create a subsidiary and network with key decision makers. We were able to really quickly set up shop there and were able to work with clients in Europe from a place where, not only the location that was super convenient, but also the advantages of the network that being there created. The LHoFT opened the door for us to other companies in fintech, and in other industries.  “We intend to stay in Luxembourg,” he adds. “We’re looking for more opportunities in finance. We’re working with a big insurance company from Germany and another one in France. The idea is to continue using our Luxembourg network to connect with other companies in Luxembourg and the rest of the EU to expand our market.”  Prince says: “Maybe one of the biggest advantages of Luxembourg is the quality of life that we can offer. That is a strong argument when you want to hire people. The quality of living here is great. You can come from a variety of backgrounds and fit in very easily. I moved here 10 years ago and can’t imagine leaving. To start a company and to run it an ongoing basis, Luxembourg is a great location.”  <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about fintech in Europe</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li>Fintech is one of the most promising tech sectors in the UK, but it <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/blog/Fintech-makes-the-world-go-around/UK-fintech-faces-biggest-hit-if-Brexit-deal-goes-sour">could be the one that suffers the most</a> as a result of the UK leaving the EU. </li> <li>The number of <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252436271/European-cities-woo-English-speaking-IT-talent">English-speaking jobs advertised in Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam</a> has jumped since the UK’s Brexit referendum in June 2016, with the German capital looking for the most tech professionals. </li> <li>The European Commission has unveiled <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252436462/EC-reveals-plan-to-make-Europe-global-fintech-hub">proposals to boost the EU’s financial technology sector</a>. </li> </ul> </div> </div> Luxembourg aims to play a larger role in the rapidly growing global fintech market https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/banking-finance-charts-fintech-adobe.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252511580/Fintech-players-get-cozy-in-Luxembourg Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:30:00 GMT Fintech players get cosy in Luxembourg A group of tax lawyers and accounting professionals are calling on HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to consider introducing simpler-to-understand and more affordable settlement terms for contractors caught in-scope of the UK government’s controversial loan charge policy. In a letter to the chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, the group make the case for HMRC to introduce a disguised remuneration settlement opportunity. This would, it is claimed, “promptly resolve open enquiries” by getting individuals caught by the policy to pay an affordable proportion of the total tax that HMRC claims contractors avoided paying by taking part in disguised remuneration schemes. As things currently stand, HMRC has reached a deadlock with individuals affected by the loan charge, the letter said, because many of those caught by the policy have no means of paying the often “life-changing” sums of money they are being pursued for. “The situation between HMRC and affected taxpayers seems to have reached an impasse,” said the letter. “The taxes being demanded often involve life-changing sums, typically multiples of their current annual earnings (if indeed they are still earning). This has resulted in serious financial hardship, often with devastating consequences for affected taxpayers’ lives and livelihoods.” For this reason, the group said it would be “pointless” for HMRC to continue pursuing those affected by the policy for the total amounts of tax it claims they avoided paying and would only serve to cause them “further hardship and misery” while continuing to generate negative publicity for HMRC. “Clearly, this is neither in HMRC’s nor the government’s interests, and for the government and HMRC to continue along this path is self-defeating and unsustainable,” the letter added. The alternative settlement proposal would not, the group stressed, be intended for use by contractors that knowingly enrolled in tax avoidance schemes. “It is for contractors and freelancers – gig economy workers – many of whom were either inadvertently dragged into these schemes or who were inadequately advised of the risks,” said the letter. “These people are now facing unaffordable and often life-changing tax bills.” <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>What is the loan charge policy?</h4> Announced in the 2017 Budget, the loan charge policy is designed to help HMRC claw back the money it claims contractors in various industries – including IT – avoided paying in the past by opting to have part of their salary paid to them in the form of non-taxable loans or annuities. These loan-based remuneration schemes were typically run by offshore employee benefits trusts, and were erroneously marketed as being an HMRC-compliant means for contractors to bolster their take-home pay by artificially minimising their employment tax liabilities. Thousands of IT contractors who took part in these schemes between December 2010 and 5 April 2019 have since been landed with six-figure tax bills from HMRC through the loan charge policy, reportedly resulting in mass bankruptcies and at least eight suicides. The retroactive nature of the policy has seen HMRC repeatedly criticised for pushing ahead with it, as well as the fact that its efforts to clamp down on disguised remuneration (DR) schemes are disproportionately targeted at individual participants rather than the organisations that run them. </div> </div> The “vast majority” of individuals caught in-scope of the loan charge were “genuine victims of mis-selling rather than deliberate tax avoiders”, the letter added, which is why the group is also demanding that HMRC should not insist that access to these revised down settlements is contingent on contractors admitting they were at fault. “When so many people were mis-sold these arrangements (with some having effectively been coerced into using them as a condition of engagement and others having no knowledge of the fact they were being sold anything at all), we feel that it is wrong to force people to give false admission that they are deliberate tax avoiders,” said the letter. “We strongly recommend that HMRC and the government consider this recommendation seriously and accept the reality that the proliferation and mis-selling of DR schemes was the fault of several parties other than the taxpayers to whom these schemes were sold, and that the settlement opportunity reflect that reality as part of a fair and final resolution.” The group confirmed that the proposal has already been presented to the Loan Charge and Taxpayer Fairness All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in the hope of securing the support of its 245 members and, in time, the backing of the chancellor and the Treasury, too. Sarah Gabbai, a specialist tax solicitor and co-ordinator of the proposal, said the group’s proposition works in everyone’s interests. “HMRC have a legal duty to enforce the loan charge, but they know there will be people who simply cannot afford to pay the sums demanded and that for some people, bankruptcy will be inevitable,” she said. “We also believe it is unfair that taxpayers are being made to pay all the disputed tax, when the majority of people were victims of mis-selling and several other parties were involved and must accept some responsibility for the situation those taxpayers are in.” Gabbai added: “We hope the Treasury and HMRC will take this proposal seriously and will work towards a fair resolution that gives closure to all and avoids the consequences if nothing is changed. We will work with HMRC, the Treasury, the APPG and others to find a way to resolve this issue and allow everyone to move on.” News of the <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510593/Loan-Charge-MPs-call-on-Treasury-Secretary-for-new-independent-review-into-HMRC-policy">proposal comes days after the Loan Charge and Taxpayer Fairness APPG</a> went public with its own letter to Lucy Frazer, financial secretary to the Treasury, which called on her to instigate another independent review into the impacts of the policy, which has been linked to at least eight suicides to date. The letter also called for HMRC to suspend its enforcement of the policy on the ground that there remains no “relevant or justified” legal basis for it. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about the loan charge</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499746/HMRC-downplays-significance-of-CEO-email-appearing-to-question-legal-basis-of-loan-charge-policy">A document dump of emails shared between HMRC officials</a> has prompted loan charge campaigners to further question the legal footing of the government’s controversial disguised remuneration policy.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252473985/Loan-charge-under-review-The-government-tax-policy-pushing-IT-contractors-to-the-brink">Thousands of IT contractors are at risk of financial ruin</a> as HMRC pursues them for tax it claims they owe on work they did up to two decades ago and were reimbursed for via loan remuneration schemes. Computer Weekly investigates.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252495295/HMRC-criticised-over-continued-shortcomings-in-loan-charge-policy-response">HM Revenue and Customs must do more to reduce the exposure</a> of contractors to tax avoidance-focused disguised remuneration schemes, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Finance Bill Sub-Committee has concluded.</li> </ul> </div> </div> A group of tax barristers and accounting experts are calling on Rishi Sunak to force HMRC to revise its loan charge settlement terms https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/HMRC-2-fotolia.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510778/Loan-charge-Tax-experts-call-on-Chancellor-for-simpler-more-affordable-policy-settlement-terms Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:30:00 GMT Loan charge: Tax experts call on chancellor for simpler, more affordable policy settlement terms MPs are calling on HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to suspend its enforcement of the UK government’s controversial loan charge policy on the basis that there remains no “relevant or justified legal basis” for it. The instruction is featured in a letter to Lucy Frazer, financial secretary to the Treasury, signed by members of the 245-strong All-Party Parliamentary Loan Charge and Taxpayer Fairness Group. The letter says: “The loan charge was not properly scrutinised by Parliament when introduced, nor does it have any relevant or justified legal basis – it should never have been passed and the government must now rectify this by announcing a legislative change, as well as instructing HMRC to pause any enforcement of the loan charge and associated accelerated payment notices.” The seven-page missive also calls on Frazer to answer 10 “extensively researched” questions about the loan charge, which it claims neither the Treasury nor HMRC has fully addressed in their responses to date when quizzed about the inner workings of the controversial policy. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/loan-schemes-and-the-loan-charge-an-overview/tax-avoidance-loan-schemes-and-the-loan-charge">Announced in the 2017 Budget</a>, the loan charge policy is designed to help HMRC claw back the money it claims contractors in various industries – including IT – avoided paying in the past by opting to have part of their salary paid to them in the form of non-taxable loans or annuities. These loan-based remuneration schemes were typically run by offshore employee benefits trusts, and were erroneously marketed as being an HMRC-compliant means for contractors to bolster their take-home pay by artificially minimising their employment tax liabilities. Thousands of IT contractors who took part in these schemes between December 2010 and 5 April 2019 have since been landed with six-figure tax bills from HMRC through the loan charge policy, reportedly resulting in mass bankruptcies and at least eight suicides. The retroactive nature of the policy has seen HMRC repeatedly criticised for pushing ahead with it, as well as the fact that its efforts to clamp down on disguised remuneration schemes are disproportionately targeted at individual participants rather than the organisations that run them. Incidentally, one of the questions put to Frazer in the letter touches on this point, while also seeking confirmation from her about the precise number of loan scheme promoters and operators who have been prosecuted, convicted, arrested or fined through HMRC’s loan charge enforcement activities. There is mounting anecdotal evidence that many of the contractors who end up enrolled in these schemes have done so unwittingly, having been forced by their end-clients to provide their services through a non-compliant umbrella company that acts as a front for the scheme.  Under the terms of the loan charge policy, individuals have few avenues available to them to challenge or appeal against the sanctions handed down by HMRC, which is another area the letter calls on Frazer to address. <div class="extra-info"> <div class="extra-info-inner"> <h4>Read more about the loan charge policy</h4> <ul class="default-list"> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252499746/HMRC-downplays-significance-of-CEO-email-appearing-to-question-legal-basis-of-loan-charge-policy">A document dump of emails shared between HMRC officials</a> has prompted loan charge campaigners to further question the legal footing of the government’s controversial disguised remuneration policy.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252473985/Loan-charge-under-review-The-government-tax-policy-pushing-IT-contractors-to-the-brink">Thousands of IT contractors are at risk of financial ruin</a> as HMRC pursues them for tax it claims they owe on work they did up to two decades ago and were reimbursed for via loan remuneration schemes. Computer Weekly investigates.</li> <li><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252495295/HMRC-criticised-over-continued-shortcomings-in-loan-charge-policy-response">HM Revenue and Customs must do more to reduce the exposure</a> of contractors to tax avoidance-focused disguised remuneration schemes, the House of Lords Economic Affairs Finance Bill Sub-Committee has concluded.</li> </ul> </div> </div> But the standout questions addressed to Frazer in the document centre on the outcome of the 2019 independent review into the loan charge policy by Lord Morse, which saw the policy’s look-back period cut by more than 10 years. “The primary conclusion of the Morse report was that the ‘loan charge should not apply to loans entered into before 9 December 2010, being the point at which the law [on the use of disguised remuneration schemes] became clear’,” the letter says. “That legislation, announced in December 2010, only affected employees – there was nothing on the statute book for another seven years suggesting they did not work for the self-employed. The 2011 legislation only applied to employer-employee loans paid from a third party. It did not apply to self-employed arrangements or employed arrangements where no third party was involved.” <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252476701/Loan-charge-under-review-IT-contractors-slam-planned-policy-revamp">As previously detailed by Computer Weekly</a>, the Morse Review’s conclusion that the law on using disguised remuneration schemes has been clear since 2010 has been repeatedly challenged by the cross-party group of MPs that make up the Loan Charge APPG, as well as stakeholders from across the contracting community. In the letter, the MPs claim that the law was “categorically not clear” on the use of loan-based remuneration schemes until 2017, which is what prompted HMRC to propose the policy in the first place. “As financial secretary to the Treasury and a QC, will you now make a public statement to both challenge and rectify that flawed and unsound conclusion, by confirming that the loan charge legislation will be amended to reflect the reality of the correct legal position, which was clearly misunderstood by Lord Morse at the time of his review,” the letter states. The letter also requests that Frazer confirm the circumstances and criteria used to determine who would assist Lord Morse with compiling the review, following the disclosure of freedom of information requests that suggest this process may have been influenced by HMRC and the Treasury. The letter concludes with a call for a “fresh and fully independent review of the loan charge” to be carried out, in the face of growing cross-party support across the House of Commons from MPs and peers who disagree with the policy. “We hope that you can now see the loan charge is not only a deeply controversial policy that undermines the rule of law, but also that it is a flawed policy brought in without proper understanding and with misleading rationale,” says the letter. In a seven-page letter to newly appointed Treasury minister Lucy Frazer, MPs highlight the legal flaws in HMRC's controversial loan charge policy and demand a new independent review https://cdn.ttgtmedia.com/visuals/ComputerWeekly/Hero%20Images/HMRC-4-Fotolia.jpg https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252510593/Loan-Charge-MPs-call-on-Treasury-Secretary-for-new-independent-review-into-HMRC-policy Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:18:00 GMT Loan charge: MPs call on financial secretary for new independent review into HMRC policy ComputerWeekly.com 60 editor@computerweekly.com