‘Post Office compensation wait is taking its toll’

There are four different redress schemes depending on people’s circumstances and whether they were convicted.

Mr Macaldowie’s compensation claim is being administered by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.

A DBT spokesperson said: “This government has taken significant action to increase the rate of redress payments to postmasters, but we apologise to Keith that an unacceptable clerical error means his offer has been delayed.

“We are doing everything we can to expedite his claim, and we will ensure this doesn’t happen again.

“We would also like to extend our sympathies to Myra for her loss.

“Anyone unhappy with their Historical Shortfall Scheme (HSS), external offer can dispute it, and there is funding for legal support available.”

Myra’s HSS claim is being administered by the Post Office.

It doesn’t comment on individual claims but a spokesperson said: “We apologise unreservedly to victims of the Horizon IT Scandal and today’s Post Office is focused, alongside government, on paying redress as quickly as possible so that people can move forward with their lives.

“To date, £438m has been paid to 3,100 people and we continue to listen to feedback to make improvements to the redress process for those affected.”