'We know you're dead, but please tell us if your circumstances change':

First Published by: Mail Online

Bungling council's hugely insensitive benefits letter to grieving family of cancer victim

A grieving family have been left furious after they received a letter addressed to their dead brother - advising him they had stopped his tax benefits because he was dead, but urging him to REAPPLY.   

Steve Hutchings died on February 22 after sadly losing an 18-month battle against cancer and eight brain tumours. But that didn't stop Bristol City Council writing to him - on the day of his funeral - to explain why his Council Tax discount was no longer available - because of his death.

The letter goes onto explain that if he wanted to reclaim he could, but urged he please do so without delay. It also suggested he call the council's tax hotline if he needed help renewing his claim.

His sister, Linda, was horrified when she saw the letter, two days after she buried her brother. The siblings had been living together but were entitled to a council tax discount because Mr Hutchings was disabled.

She said: 'I couldn't believe it when they sent this. I could understand if it was a mistake, but they clearly knew he was dead.It threw me off my feet. I was in tears and then I got angry. I wouldn't have minded if they had written to me but they knew he was dead and sent it anyway. 

'You hear about this sort of thing happening but you never think it will happen to you. It's not funny. I don't believe it is forgivable.'

The letter, which is not signed, was headed 'claim ended: Reason - death.' 

It read: 'Your claim for benefit has ended with effect from the above date for the reason shown. If you wish to reclaim housing or council tax benefit, please do so without delay.

'Normally benefit will be paid from the Monday following the date we receive your claim. You can obtain a claim form and advice by ringing the helpline service.

'Please note - please return your completed application form immediately, even if you do not have all the required documentary evidence. You may lose benefit if you delay sending us your application form.'

At the bottom it stresses 'you must tell us if your circumstances change.'

Mr Hutchings, who was just 52 when he passed away, had suffered a series of illnesses, including a ruptured Achilles' heel. Part of his foot was removed, which made it increasingly difficult for him to walk. He was told he had terminal cancer 18 months ago after discovering a mole on his back.

Linda said: 'He had eight tumours on the brain, the biggest was two and a half cm. Two of them had gone and the rest had shrunk so we thought we were onto a winner. But someone up there knew better.' But even claiming his incapacity benefit was a problem. His sister said: 'We applied for it but they turned us down the first time because they have us the wrong information. I kept on at them.

'They're quick enough cancel it. He passed away on the 22nd, they stopped his claim the day before he died. They will blame the computer, but a computer only spits out what you put into it.'

Both Mr Hutchings and his sister were born and bred in Bristol, and lived together. He was a computer operator before he became ill and she works in a warehouse. 

Linda described her brother as a happy go lucky guy who was well liked. She said: 'He didn't deserve what happened. He fought it all bravely - his attitude was "what will be will be."' He was a fantastic guy.

'If nothing else, I hope this will stop the council wasting money, I hope it will not happening to someone else.'

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