'We have a right to privacy' (From Gazette)

'We have a right to privacy'

10:52am Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News

 A BOTCHED mail shot meant a man was mistakenly sent planned changes to another man’s benefits.

Colchester Council sent Mark Curtis, 49, of Steed Crescent, in Colchester, a letter detailing the changes to his council tax benefit, which are due to come into place on April 1.

 

But as well as his own letter, he also received a one addressed to a different man, including the planned changes to the second man’s council tax benefit.

“It is not what you expect from a council,” said Mr Curtis, an unemployed satellite fitter.

“If you had one place you’d think your details would be safe, it is the council.”

He added: “Every person has a right to privacy.

“I would imagine the person whose letter I have would not be very happy I know what benefits he is entitled to and what he will have to pay come April."

Mr Curtis plans to deliver the letter to its owner personally.

A spokeswoman for Colchester Council said: “We take data protection extremely seriously.

“We have apologised to the customers involved and have brought in robust processes to ensure that this does not happen again