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Phone chaos OAPs ‘lose tax discount’
Labour say pensioners are missing out on £100 because of automated telephone system
THOUSANDS of the borough’s pensioners could be missing out on their £100 council tax discount because of an automated telephone “nightmare”.
A report by Islington Pensioners Forum described how angry and frustrated OAPs are struggling to cope with automated telephone instructions that go on for 10 minutes, often giving up in despair.
Forum chairman George Durack said that one woman caller was given six optional numbers to press. “She pressed number six and got through and was asked for her council tax reference, name and date of birth and to confirm her address,” said Mr Durack.
“This took some time as the computer was running slow. She was then told that a form was being completed on the computer and when this was processed she should hear within two weeks if her rebate was confirmed.
“All this seems a terrible waste of time and money. All that was required was for the council to send out an application form with the council tax demand.”
New figures released by Islington Labour suggest that almost 3,000 pensioners may be missing out.
The Lib Dem council is only contacting people who hold Freedom Passes, but according to Labour, only around 85 per cent of pensioners are pass holders, meaning that up to 2,800 of those entitled to a tax discount may be missing from the council’s records.
The Town Hall is being urged to publicise the campaign more thoroughly with leaflets and posters and to also let people apply by post, in person and through the internet.
A recent campaign by Islington Labour led to hundreds of pensioners writing to ask their local councillors and community volunteers for help in applying for the tax discount.
Labour leader Councillor Catherine West said: “Thanks to Islington Labour, people over 65 have a right to a £100 discount on their council tax. But the Lib Dem council is failing to make sure that everyone gets that discount.
“It’s no good having a call centre number that no one knows about. People should be able to get in touch by post, in person and online.
“The Lib Dems voted against the pensioners’ tax discount and now they are dragging their feet instead of helping pensioners.
“Hundreds of people have written back to us to ask if we can help them make sure they get the discount. But the council should be doing that work – we shouldn’t have to.”
A Lib Dem spokesman said 5,000 pensioners have received payment via the Freedom Pass registration.
“We are getting round to everyone as quickly as we can but people who have difficulty accessing our telephone hotline or have any problems can contact us for help,” the spokesman added. |
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