Dear Sir,

There is an inability to process Claim forms for Housing Benefit in an acceptable time at Green Lane, causing anxiety, humiliation and stress.

The backlog of weeks and months triggers Landlords to seek reposession and eviction of tenants who can only plead for claims to be activated more urgently.

I’ve taken a claimant there a number of times and sat with them for over an hour waiting in vain for their computer system to work properly, creating yet another wasted visit to expedite a claim.

Is it acceptable for a claimant’s name to be dragged through the Court for eviction or to be blacklisted for rent arrears while those unable to process the benefits claim in time stay silent?

Has anyone taken issue over this with the County Council or can a County Councillor explain why this Housing Benefit paper jam exists?

Don Fraser

Woodham