Farce of trying to pay household charge

The household charge is developing into one of the biggest fiascos ever.

I sent my cheque before the deadline, in March. By the end of April there was no acknowledgement and the cheque was not cashed.

I phoned and was told that my form was not correct and that somebody would probably call me about it.

I waited. And waited. And waited.

Finally, when I got home on Friday of the recent holiday weekend, I received a voicemail asking for my PPS number.

Why could they not have asked me that simple question when I called in April?

The message said that she was available till 5 o’clock and then again Tuesday till Friday. I rang Wednesday. “Sorry but you were longer than three days returning our call and the form has been sent back to you.”

I pointed out that it had been a holiday weekend and that she had not asked me to call within three days.

Deaf ears — the form had gone. Where it is now, I have no idea.

Apparently, it takes this department over three months to make a simple phone call and three weeks (so far) to put anything in the post.

And while they are (most disingenuously) moaning about the budget shortfall, my cheque remains uncashed.

I am quite certain that this level of incompetence will guarantee making a net loss on the whole farce.

Richard D Barton

Tinahely

Co Wicklow