Hi,

For those interested:
I sent a complaint on 5th March - that still has to be replied to.
I sent 21 compaints on 1st May - I received that reply last week.  It is 
very superficial, containing inconsistencies; claims of non-receipts / no 
trace of letters; full of unaccountable delays in receiving letters.

Fortunately I have proof of sending of ALL letters.  All letters sent by 
post were also handed in locally, with a dated receipt obtained.  I have a 
computerised fax log, with a phone-call back-up if necessary.  I have had 
regular print-outs of my notepad, and also a copy of an internal email that 
showed a false allegation used to get a suspension.  My record-keeping has 
been excellent.

With three different disagreements/appeals, and at least 9 letters/reminders 
I did not receive ONE acknowledgement, yet they claimed that it is normal 
practice to send them out.  I have 'rubbish'ed that statement and challenged 
them to prove otherwise.  They even admitted elsewhere in their response 
that no action was taken on these because they were waiting for case-papers. 
This is the subject of the second complaint from my MP to their Chief 
Executive.

Even speaking to different managers locally on top of all the letters, 
copies and reminders I sent produced absolutely no response.  I have of 
course reminded them of their own leaflet, 'Our Service Standards' - 'When 
you write to us'.  They aim to get a response out within 10 working days. 
Of course!

I have also pointed out to them the contents of their leaflet 'Tell us what 
you think' - 'When things go wrong'.  My local senior manager was ignored 
when she asked for an interim response to my complaints.  Things like this I 
asked to be written up on my notepad and me given an up-to-date printout. 
Likewise the Tribunals Service was also ignored when they asked for the 
appeal information to be sent to me.

I have accused them of bullying and intimidation.  Most people would have 
given up long before this, and I think that that was what they were hoping. 
Unfortunately they were just getting themselves deeper and deeper in it.

They have admitted maladministration and unreservedly withdrawn the false 
allegation.
Because they did not respond to my complaints, and I had to eventually go 
through the regional office in Grays Inn Road to get a response, I consider 
that they have by default by-passed the first complaint stage, and so my 
8-page reply to their response has also been copied to the Chief Executive 
with a formal request for her intervention.  I think I would have a very 
good case to go to the Ombudsman now if she declines.

This sort of thing has been going on for a very long time - I have older 
letters to show that.  It is mainly because of this that they have taught me 
to keep such good records now!

Iain

On Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:46:57 +0100, "Iain"  wrote:


>Hi,
>
>For those interested:

Yawn .....

I see you're one of those righteous and terribly clever people who
send multiple letters to all and sundry, assuming that quantity means
quality, without realising you're actually damaging your own cause by
mail bombing.

ONE well worded letter, sensibly followed up through the correct
channels if necessary will get you far more action than a snow storm
of paper-pap.

Pratt.

On 17 Jun, 21:57, Gran  wrote:
> On Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:46:57 +0100, "Iain"  wrote:
> >Hi,
>
> >For those interested:
>
> Yawn .....
>
> I see you're one of those righteous and terribly clever people who
> send multiple letters to all and sundry, assuming that quantity means
> quality, without realising you're actually damaging your own cause by
> mail bombing.
>
> ONE well worded letter, sensibly followed up through the correct
> channels if necessary will get you far more action than a snow storm
> of paper-pap.
>
> Pratt.

If you're lucky.
I've tried that with the DWP (DLA) and MONTHS later I did get a
response.  I owe them money due to overpayments, however it's in a
separate bank account gaining interest, waiting for them to let me
know how much I will have to repay.