In County Durham, the plight of 91-year-old Betty Brown, a former sub-postmistress, sheds light on the devastating impacts of the Post Office IT scandal. As the oldest victim of this scandal, Mrs. Brown’s experience highlights a broader issue of neglect and inadequate compensation faced by many sub-postmasters, who were once integral to their communities. The use of the Horizon computer system led to significant financial discrepancies that unjustly affected many post office employees, like Mrs. Brown.
Betty Brown and her husband invested over £50,000 from their savings to cover losses that arose immediately following the installation of the Horizon system in her post office. This unforeseen financial burden was compounded by intense stress and mental anguish, ultimately pushing her out of her position. In 2003, Betty was coerced into selling her post office at a fraction of its worth, a decision made under pressure from a manager who regarded her as “too old” and advocated for “new blood” in the organization. The emotional toll resulting from these events has left a profound impact on her well-being, as she often recalls sleepless nights plagued by anxiety.
In an interview with the BBC, Mrs. Brown expressed her discontent, stating, “We’re just treated like dung,” as she addressed the lack of respect and recognition afforded to the victims. The government has claimed to be processing compensation claims more efficiently than ever before. However, Mrs. Brown’s experience contradicts that assertion. After nearly three years of meticulous preparation for her compensation claim by her legal team, including forensic accountants, she received an offer amounting to a mere 29% of her original claim.
This deeply unsettling conclusion to her claim left Mrs. Brown feeling humiliated and frustrated. She articulated her disbelief regarding the contrasting approaches seen in the legal processes, where one team was tasked with preparing a robust case while another seemingly dismissed it with a meager offer. Her insights reflect a broader discontent among the victims, many of whom, like Mrs. Brown, were once celebrated figures in their communities prior to the roll-out of the problematic Horizon system.
Mrs. Brown formed part of the 555 victims who initiated a landmark legal action led by Alan Bates, marking a significant step towards accountability for the Post Office. Though they secured a victory five years ago, most victims failed to receive meaningful compensation, as the awards were largely gobbled up by legal costs. Currently, despite the establishment of a compensation scheme, only 221 out of the total victims have successfully received their payments, showcasing the slow and convoluted process they must navigate.
In her offer letter, Mrs. Brown was denied recognition for future earnings loss and received only a fraction of what she sought for past earnings loss and harassment suffered due to the Horizon issues. The acknowledgment of her suffering by the Department for Business and Trade stands in stark contrast to the reality of her compensation. During a recent session with the Business and Trade Select Committee, lawyers for the firms responsible for the compensation were brought in amidst growing dissatisfaction regarding the progress of claims.
Mark Chesher, a partner representing claim assessment firm Addleshaw Goddard, attempted to defend the processes by claiming a commitment to fairness and benefit of doubt in the assessment of claims. However, Mrs. Brown’s rejection of the offered compensation highlights a rift between what is promised and what is delivered. She has chosen to pursue her case with an independent panel for further evaluation, understanding that this may prolong her pursuit of justice.
With an impending 92nd birthday, Mrs. Brown’s resolve remains steadfast, even as she grapples with health challenges. A governmental spokesperson has acknowledged the suffering inflicted on victims and reiterated a commitment to providing fair redress. By the end of October, about £438 million had been distributed to more than 3,100 claimants, marking an 85% increase since June. Yet, the journey towards genuine restitution for individuals like Betty Brown remains fraught with obstacles. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the continuing battle for justice faced by postmasters impacted by the Horizon scandal.
