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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel