The Southport Party has been contacted regarding the concerns of a number of local property landlords about the unacceptable time being taken by Sefton Council's Housing Department in the processing of Housing Benefit claims.

A recent case brought to our attention highlights the disarray that this Department is in where a landlord was waiting for over 3 months for payment. During this time the arrears accrued to over £800 for a single tenant dating back to early June 2004. Payment was finally received only on 18 th October 2004 .

When enquiries were made, the Council staff blamed the new computer system introduced last year. As usual, the transition caused massive delays whilst the staff were introduced to the changed procedures which, allegedly, will eventually result in a much-improved system.

It is also extremely difficult for claimants to get any information on their claims because ‘phones are only answered in the morning when they are often engaged. This results in frustration for landlords and tenants in the ‘phone queue - a situation that continues to fail its customer service, resulting in landlords becoming reluctant to accept tenants who depend upon housing benefits.

An attempt to debate the situation was not allowed, even in general terms , by the chairman at the last Southport Area Committee meeting.

What a sad state of affairs for this new democratic platform.