Badenoch: Red tape delayed payment to subpostmasters
The Independent|November 12, 2024
The government let bureaucracy get in the way of redress for wronged subpostmasters, Kemi Badenoch told the inquiry into the Post Office scandal yesterday.
ARCHIE MITCHELL
Badenoch: Red tape delayed payment to subpostmasters

The new Tory leader said that during her time as business secretary, she and former postal affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake "wanted to get the money out there” but were constantly given reasons why they could not by officials.

In a tetchy appearance before the Horizon IT inquiry, said: “We had briefings on the issue with officials, and it was quite clear to me that we were allowing bureaucracy to get in the way of redress too much of the time. Kevin [Hollinrake] and I wanted to get the money out there, and we were always given a reason why we couldn’t.”

Explaining why she felt bureaucracy was getting in the way of redress, Ms Badenoch told the probe: “I feel that there is often too much bureaucracy in the way of getting things done, because people are worried about the process.

“They are worried about: if things go wrong, they’ll be on the hook for that. So they carry out lots of checks and balances well beyond what I think is required in order to deliver the right outcome.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView all
Fierce rivalry in best British flyweight fight for decades
The Independent

Fierce rivalry in best British flyweight fight for decades

This time last year, Sunny Edwards was on his way to the USA for a unification world title fight, and Galal Yafai was a five-fight novice.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Wiegman faces twin issues in tactical battle with Hayes
The Independent

Wiegman faces twin issues in tactical battle with Hayes

Sarina Wiegman had already highlighted where England need to improve long before Emma Hayes and the United States landed in London ahead of today's marquee clash at Wembley.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Crisis at City has shades of Mourinho's Bridge too far
The Independent

Crisis at City has shades of Mourinho's Bridge too far

For all the comments on Pep Guardiola's scratches, some senior figures in football were a bit shocked by the image.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Our favourite brands are at risk from changing demand
The Independent

Our favourite brands are at risk from changing demand

Constantly evolving consumer habits are threatening even the biggest names - factor in a competitive marketplace and rising overheads, and they're goners, says Chris Blackhurst

time-read
4 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Insurgents fighting Assad's Syrian regime enter Aleppo
The Independent

Insurgents fighting Assad's Syrian regime enter Aleppo

Surprise offensive is first time city is attacked since 2016

time-read
2 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Macron praises those who helped rebuild Notre-Dame
The Independent

Macron praises those who helped rebuild Notre-Dame

President visits cathedral as it prepares to reopen next week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Three main Irish parties set for election photo finish
The Independent

Three main Irish parties set for election photo finish

Sinn Fein, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are virtually neck-and-neck in terms of first preference votes in the Irish general election, according to an exit poll last night.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Ukraine could cede land for peace deal, says Zelensky
The Independent

Ukraine could cede land for peace deal, says Zelensky

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested he would temporarily cede Ukrainian territory to Russia in exchange for joining Nato.

time-read
1 min  |
November 30, 2024
Russia suffers record 2,000 losses in one day, says Kyiv
The Independent

Russia suffers record 2,000 losses in one day, says Kyiv

Claims of unprecedented military casualties for Moscow come as Putin’s forces make advances in eastern Ukraine

time-read
3 mins  |
November 30, 2024
Police name mother killed in hit-and-run e-bike crash
The Independent

Police name mother killed in hit-and-run e-bike crash

A young mother who was killed after she was knocked off an ebike in a hit-and-run crash has been named.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 30, 2024