Post Office Horizon probe could be delayed by five years, police chiefs warn

WorldPolitics
27 May 2026 • 5:37 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Post Office Horizon probe could be delayed by five years, police chiefs warn

  • The criminal investigation into the Post Office Horizon scandal faces a potential five-year delay without an additional £16.5 million in funding.
  • Police chiefs warn that the investigation team needs to nearly double from 111 to 210 officers to submit charging decisions by late 2027 or early 2028.
  • Commander Stephen Clayman highlighted the inquiry's "hugely complex" nature, involving the forensic review of eight million documents.
  • Despite a recent £2.8 million special grant from the Home Office, the projected budget of up to £19.3 million for 2026/27 and beyond has a significant shortfall.
  • Investigators emphasised the urgency of delivering justice for victims, many of whom have suffered for 24 years, with some having already died.

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