Recent news surrounding Post Offices has been dominated by the Horizon IT scandal, which has revealed systemic flaws in the Horizon accounting system that led to the wrongful convictions of over 700 sub-postmasters between 1999 and 2015. The public inquiry into these miscarriages of justice is ongoing, with a final report not expected until autumn 2025. High-profile figures, including former Fujitsu engineers and Post Office executives, have faced scrutiny for their roles in the scandal, with accusations of protecting the flawed system. Additionally, the Post Office is undergoing significant changes, including leadership shifts and potential cuts to head office staff, as it grapples with the fallout from these events.
Post Offices serve as essential public facilities, providing a range of mail services, including the acceptance of letters and parcels, post office boxes, and the sale of postage stamps and stationery. They also offer various financial and governmental services. Historically, Post Offices have played a crucial role in communities across the UK, acting as a hub for local services and support. However, the recent controversies have raised questions about their operational integrity and the accountability of those in leadership positions.