The Post Office has decided to part ways with the company involved in the Horizon IT scandal. Fujitsu, a major Japanese corporation, has been granted contract extensions despite facing criticism for its role in a significant miscarriage of justice in the UK. The outsourcing company Accenture has now been selected to take over the Horizon system.

One View Commerce has been assigned to develop a new IT system, signaling the start of Fujitsu stepping back from its controversial position. However, Fujitsu is anticipated to remain involved and compensated until the expected conclusion next year.

The contract with Accenture, set to be finalized next month, spans an initial five years with a potential two-year extension, valued at £322 million. Meanwhile, the agreement with One View Commerce could extend until 2038, costing £169.2 million.

The Post Office aims to revolutionize technology across its branch network with these new contracts. Post Office executive Neil Brocklehurst expressed the complexity of the technological transition, emphasizing a responsible and efficient approach.

Efforts to replace the Horizon system with one developed by IBM failed in 2016, costing £40 million. Since 1999, the Post Office has spent over £2.5 billion on Fujitsu contracts, with additional taxpayer-funded extensions, prompting criticism from postmaster Sir Alan Bates.

Sir Alan questioned the continuous awarding of contracts to Fujitsu and urged for a change in the system. The Post Office stated that Accenture will collaborate with Fujitsu to ensure a smooth transition of operations and develop modern solutions for postmasters and internal teams.

Fujitsu will provide support during the transition period until their formal exit date, as confirmed by the Post Office.