Marie Tidball MP raises Horizon scandal compensation with Government

In Parliament, Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, urged the Government to expedite a compensation payment to one of her constituents in Sheffield who was affected by the Horizon Post Office Scandal.  

The constituent, a retired Postmistress, contacted Marie regarding compensation that she had not been paid following the Horizon Scandal for both her and her husband.  

The Fixed Sum Award is a £75,000 compensation payment available to those affected by the Horizon scandal, subject to eligibility and the confirmation of a Horizon shortfall, in lieu of undergoing the full assessment process. 

In Parliament, the local MP said, 

“A retired Postmistress in my constituency who served our communities at the Post Office in Parson Cross from 1994 to 2002 was impacted by the Horizon scandal, leaving her mentally and physically unwell.  “She has not been paid the compensation she is owed from the Fixed Sum Payment Scheme.  “Please can the Leader of the House advise me on how I can help my constituent and her husband Michael to expedite access to their compensation payment?” 

In response, Lucy Powell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, said, 

“I’m sorry to hear that her constituents have not had their compensation payment. I do know that over 5000 victims have had their payments made so far, but we certainly have more to do.  “[Marie will] recognise that this Government actually set aside, for the first time, the proper amount of money necessary, but I’ll ensure that her case is expedited.” 

Following the exchange, Marie Tidball MP said, 

“I am pleased that the Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that those affected by the Horizon scandal, including my constituents, will receive compensation for the ordeal they went though. I’m working with those in Government to do what I can to resolve this issue for my constituents." “If you are a constituent and you would like my help, please get in touch with me at marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk with an outline of how you would like me to help, and I’ll do my very best.”