Due adjustment: #3 - Bexley Council & #5 Bromley

Bexley Council sent Mr Mustard quite a long reply to his two short questions which, as is often the case with longer answers, is less clear than a short one. The response applied equally to Bromley Council.

Firstly, Mr Mustard notices, the councils try to palm you off to other places or people to do their job for them. The London Councils committee was very clear, that all councils in London must themselves accept verbal representations from those disabled people who cannot write.

Secondly, there is a call you back system which is OK but after that it gets overly bureaucratic. The council will tape the conversation and send it to the (disabled) member of the public for verification. Mr Mustard hopes this isn't by using the internet; sending a cd-rom isn't much better, assuming the recipient has the equipment on which to play it. Mr Mustard doesn't understand why the council aren't sending a typed transcript as a tape recording of conversation will be accurate, it won't need 'verification'.

Thirdly, only now when he is reviewing the response does Mr Mustard notice that the question about the telephone number appearing on a PCN hasn't been answered. As it happens Mr Mustard had recently beaten a PCN issued by Bexley in July 21 so he can say what is on the PCN to assist the recipient, in this case a blue badge holder, who may well have difficulties in writing.

Is there a telephone number that a disabled person can telephone to make a verbal representation? No.

Is there one on the Notice to Owner? No.

Is it on Bexley's website? No again.

Please would a person who cannot write please test Bexley's willingness to accept verbal challenges by phoning 020 3045 3000 and asking to make one and then report back in the comment box. If, afterwards, you need a representative because Bexley don't help you Mr Mustard will put you in touch with one.

End.