Scandal: Post Office Horizon The Worst Software Ever? | Short Documentary

Summary

The Post Office Horizon software scandal of the late 1990s exposed major flaws in a system designed to automate benefit payments. Despite years of development, the software was buggy, leading to millions of pounds being unaccounted for. Sub-postmasters were blamed for discrepancies, resulting in wrongful criminal convictions, personal bankruptcies, and even suicides. The scandal remained hidden for years but was eventually brought to light by whistleblowers. In recent years, some convictions have been overturned, but justice is still ongoing, with many affected still seeking proper compensation.

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Q & A

What was the original purpose of the Horizon software project?

The Horizon software project was originally designed to improve the efficiency of unemployment and benefit payments in the UK, aiming to stop fraudulent benefit claims that cost around £150 million annually.

Why was the Horizon software ultimately scaled back?

The Horizon software was scaled back because of numerous delays, overspending, and issues during development. Instead of the originally planned benefit payment system, it was reduced to a transaction and accounting software solution.

How did the software issues affect sub postmasters?

Sub postmasters, who ran post office counters as self-employed individuals, were left to cover any shortfalls caused by Horizon's inaccurate reporting. These shortfalls led to accusations of fraud, criminal convictions, and ruined careers for many of them.

What were some of the main software glitches reported with Horizon?

Key glitches included the 'Mellington bug,' which caused system freezes and incorrect payment amounts, and the 'Calendar Square bug,' which duplicated entered amounts. Additionally, data entry errors could not be corrected, and data transfer caused financial discrepancies.

How did the Post Office respond to the complaints about Horizon?

The Post Office dismissed the complaints, attributing any discrepancies to the fault of sub postmasters. Many were pressured to cover losses personally, and some faced criminal charges for fraud based on the software's inaccurate data.

What was the scale of the legal impact of the Horizon scandal?

The Horizon scandal led to over 900 prosecutions of post office staff and sub postmasters. 700 of these were privately prosecuted by the Post Office, leading to wrongful convictions for fraud, false accounting, and theft.

How did Alan Bates contribute to uncovering the Horizon scandal?

Alan Bates, a sub postmaster, gathered evidence of Horizon's flaws and submitted his findings to Computer Weekly in 2004. His actions helped spark a broader investigation into the scandal and eventually led to public exposure of the issue.

What was the outcome of the legal challenges against the Post Office?

After years of legal battles, the Horizon software was declared unreliable in 2018, and 555 sub postmasters received compensation. However, many convictions remain on criminal records, especially those who entered guilty pleas under pressure.

How did the Post Office handle the compensation process for victims?

The Post Office settled with 555 claimants for £57.7 million in damages, though a significant portion of that amount, £46 million, was spent on legal fees. Many victims argue that the compensation offered was insufficient given the damage caused.

What ongoing actions are being taken to address the Horizon scandal?

An independent inquiry into the Horizon scandal was commissioned by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2020, and it is still ongoing. While some convictions have been overturned, no criminal charges have been brought against those responsible for the software's failures.