Horizon probe needs millions, warn police

THE criminal investigation into the Post Office Horizon scandal could be delayed by five years without millions in additional funding, police chiefs have warned.

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Commander Stephen Clayman, who is leading the national police inquiry, said the size of the investigation team would need to nearly double from 111 to 210 if it is to submit files to prosecutors for charging decisions by late next year or early 2028.

The Home Office has provided a special grant of £2.8 million while the projected budget for the investigation is up to £19.3 million “for 2026/27 and beyond”, meaning a shortfall of £16.5 million.