Shailesh Vara MP has called on Post Office Minister, Kevin Hollinrake to ensure that claims by postmasters are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Following a ministerial statement, Mr Vara congratulated Mr Hollinrake for working “night and day to bring this painful issue to a conclusion”.

Mr Vara also sought assurances from the minister regarding those postmasters who did not wish to accept the fixed sum offer, but instead wished to pursue a personal claim.

He asked that they are given “expeditious treatment” to ensure that their claims are concluded as swiftly as possible.

He also asked for claimants to be provided with a named claims manager, rather than having to deal with "random individuals".

In his reply, Mr Hollinrake gave an assurance that the Government would support those wishing to pursue a personal claim and would work to “significantly abbreviate the timescale” for their claims. 

Mr Hollinrake also said that he would reflect further on Mr Vara’s suggestion for named claims managers.

Following the exchange, Mr Vara said: “I am very pleased to see that further progress is being made to support all those affected.

“These postmasters and their families have suffered greatly, over a number of years, and every effort must be made to ensure that they are properly compensated and that this is done as quickly as possible.

“It was reassuring to hear the minister’s response, particularly as regards the speed of processing claims, and I very much hope to see that there will also be named claims managers for claimants.”