Horizon Scandal Victims Urged to Sue Government Over Delayed Compensation

Sir Alan Bates forecasts redress may extend to 2027, while the government disputes delays and pledges resolution by year-end.

Sir Alan Bates has called on victims of the Horizon IT scandal to pursue legal action against the UK government over significant delays in compensation payouts.
Bates predicts that under current processes, full compensation for all victims may not be completed until November 2027, citing administrative inefficiencies and undervalued offers.
The group litigation order (GLO) scheme and other redress mechanisms face criticism for slow progress, undervaluing claims, and ongoing legal challenges by government lawyers.
The government disputes Bates's timeline, asserting that most claims are being settled quickly and anticipates finalizing all compensation by the end of 2025.
Bates has suggested that victims, including those who accepted undervalued settlements, consider judicial reviews or new legal actions to achieve fair redress.