I have lived in Basildon District Council sheltered housing for six years and been very happy here.

About five years ago there was a 'cock up' about my housing benefit. At that time, I was going through a bad patch. I went to the local housing office and in explaining the problem to the lady housing officer, I nearly broke down in tears. She could not have been more helpful. She calmed me down and explained what had happened. Then, she wrote a letter for me and got me to sign it. I have been grateful ever since. But, over the past two years I have experienced a very low level of service. As usual, I am using this web site to act as my confessional and psychiatrist - it has worked in the past!

These examples are intended to show how officials are tardy, (and ignorant?) and unable to make correct decisions. Their standard answer to all enquiries is, "Oh. no you can't do that!"

There is the story of the water meter. The story of my water rates rebate, and then the matter of my rear fence and the football players.

To make me do this section on my site I have just (Wednesday, 13 November 2002) had to deal with incompetence, lying and managerial cover-up! I am going to deal with this first.

Why can't people realise that Ted is ALWAYS right! .............. OK! OK! ......... I heard that!