Leader defends use of ‘robust’ reminders

Oldham Council
COUNCIL leader Jim McMahon has defended “aggressive” council tax letters sent out to residents about the single occupancy allowance.

Oldham resident June Wild said she had received a “hurtful” letter from the council tax office regarding changes in her circumstances.

She said: “If my circumstances had changed I would have come forward to tell the council tax office without the need to send me such a letter.”

Councillor McMahon said mass-circulated letters would be seen by cabinet members, but reminded everyone that people need to be treated with respect.

He said: “Should the council be more aggressive? Yes we should. They have my support to be robust.”

Councillor Howard Sykes said he had heard of complaints about the perceived accusatory tone of the letters.

“What are we playing at?” he said. “I am all for the authority throwing the book at those who wilfully claim things to which they are not entitled or avoid paying the money they owe. But some of you will be horrified if your granny received these letters.”

Councillor McMahon believed the letters would yield results and bring money into the council.

He said: “My hope is that the problem goes away. Nobody wants the council to get a bad reputation. We want to be firm but fair.”

Almost 100 households contacted the council to see if they should no longer be receiving the discount, having been promised no further action by the letter. Another 273 households stopped receiving the discount after investigation by the council.

Councillor Jabbar said: “The letters which were sent out to households were not meant to be threatening or hostile in anyway and the council would like to apologise if anyone was offended or upset by the content.”