91-year-old Betty Brown, the oldest victim of the Post Office IT scandal, has been offered a compensation package that represents less than a third of her original claim, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon computer system.
Brown and her husband spent over £50,000 of their savings to cover unexpected losses that began when the Horizon system was installed in her post office branch. She was ultimately forced out of her job in 2003, with a Post Office manager suggesting she was “too old” and they wanted “new blood.”
A successful businesswoman before the Horizon scandal, Brown was one of the original 555 victims who participated in the landmark group legal action led by Alan Bates against the Post Office. While they won their legal battle five years ago, the compensation received was largely consumed by legal costs. Currently, only 221 victims have been paid their final redress.
Brown’s lawyers, assisted by forensic accountants, spent nearly three years preparing her compensation claim. However, when the offer arrived, it represented just 29% of her original claim. The offer notably excluded compensation for future earnings and provided only a third of the amount claimed for past lost earnings.
Despite the Department for Business and Trade acknowledging that Brown suffered harassment linked to Horizon issues, she was not awarded the full amount she claimed for this aspect of her case. Brown expressed her frustration, stating, “We’re just treated like dung” and describing the compensation offer as “totally disgusting” and “adding insult to injury.”
The government maintains that they are processing claims more quickly than ever before. A government spokesperson highlighted that by the end of October, approximately £438 million had been paid to over 3,100 claimants across four schemes, representing an 85% increase since June.
However, lawyers representing the compensation schemes have faced scrutiny from the Business and Trade Select Committee regarding the slow progress and complexity of the claims process. Mark Chesher from Addleshaw Goddard, the law firm assessing claims, insisted they try to maximize offers and provide fairness.
Brown remains unconvinced and plans to take her case to an independent panel for assessment, despite her advancing age and concerns about her mobility. She continues to question the discrepancy between the lawyers preparing her claim and those evaluating it.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges and emotional toll of the Post Office Horizon scandal, with victims like Brown still seeking fair compensation for the significant personal and financial hardships they have endured.
Brown poignantly asked, “You talk about Christmas and goodwill. Where’s the goodwill towards the sub-postmasters here?” Her story represents the continued struggle of those impacted by one of the UK’s most significant miscarriages of justice.
