The Post Office scandal is estimated to cost £1.8 billion for compensating subpostmasters, but this figure may not fully reflect the total expenses incurred beyond this amount. Fujitsu, described as a “parasite” on the UK government, faces significant financial repercussions for its involvement in the scandal. However, the actual cost of its actions and inaction is likely higher than the initial estimate.
Fujitsu’s inaction is evident in its failure to address Horizon problems and support the Post Office’s false claims that no issues existed. Despite this, Fujitsu cooperated when asked to provide evidence in court to support the Post Office’s wrongful prosecutions of subpostmasters based on Horizon data.
Over the past 30 years, Fujitsu has earned billions through the Horizon project and secured numerous lucrative government contracts. Nevertheless, its reluctance to contribute financially to the scandal has drawn criticism, with some likening its behavior to that of a “parasite” on the British state.
As the government prepares to hold Fujitsu accountable for its role in the scandal, the focus on the £1.8 billion figure for subpostmaster compensation may underestimate the total costs involved. Additional expenses, such as legal fees, public inquiry costs, and IT restructuring costs, have already exceeded hundreds of millions of pounds.
Taxpayers on the hook for more
The Post Office’s legal costs, public inquiry expenses, police investigation costs, and IT upheaval costs have all contributed to the escalating financial burden on taxpayers. The abandonment of projects like the New Branch IT (NBIT) initiative has further strained public funds, with little to show for the investment.
The ongoing Horizon replacement plan is projected to cost nearly half a billion pounds, extending until 2033. Moreover, the initial £1.8 billion set aside for financial redress is expected to increase as more details of the scandal emerge.
Parasitic relationship
Fujitsu’s relationship with the UK government has been labeled as parasitic due to its significant financial gains from taxpayer-funded contracts. Despite promises to refrain from bidding on public sector projects until the scandal inquiry is concluded, Fujitsu’s actions have raised concerns about its commitment to accountability.
Recent revelations of Fujitsu’s attempts to circumvent self-imposed restrictions and downplay the severity of the scandal have fueled criticism of the company’s ethics. Calls for Fujitsu to take responsibility and provide substantial compensation for its role in the scandal continue to mount.
Time to take responsibility
Campaigning peer James Arbuthnot has urged Fujitsu to make an interim payment of £700 million to address the harm caused by its actions. He emphasized the need for Fujitsu to take proactive steps in acknowledging its role in the scandal and compensating those affected.
Arbuthnot highlighted Fujitsu’s central role in altering subpostmasters’ accounts and colluding with the Post Office in perpetuating miscarriages of justice. He called for Fujitsu to bear half of the total costs associated with the scandal, including compensatory payments and inquiry expenses, as a step towards restoring its reputation and earning the trust of the British public.
