A SUPPORT group today slammed the benefits backlog which left a blind man facing court action for a council tax bill he shouldn't have to pay.

Robert Dysart, of Fowler Height Close, Blackburn, was summoned to appear at Blackburn magistrates on July 15 to explain why he had failed to pay £559.73 in council tax.

The 49-year-old chairman of the Blackburn branch of the Guide Dogs for the Blind is in receipt of benefit and should have been exempt from payment.

And the angry chief executive of Blackburn and District Blind Society today slammed Capita -- which operates the service for Blackburn with Darwen Council -- for issuing the summons because of a backlog in paperwork.

Today, Blackburn with Darwen Council withdrew the summons and apologised for the mix-up.

Robert, who has been blind since birth, only found out about the summons because his mail is delivered to the blind society offices at Thwaites House, Railway Road, Blackburn, where it is read to him.

He is entitled to benefits which cover his council tax because of his disability.

But because his benefit renewal was delayed, legal action was started by Blackburn with Darwen Council over the non-payment of his council tax.

Capita's performance over benefits has caused concern for more than a year now.

It takes about 70 days to process a new claim -- way above the national average.

Tenants found themselves facing eviction last year.

Capita boss Terry Boynes said: "We are committed to improving the service and believe the new technology we are installing will help us do that."

But Mr Dysart said: "I have spoken to Capita within the last couple of weeks and they told me there was a 12- week backlog in paperwork.

"I am angry that they are not doing their job right. This summons could go on my credit record, even though I have done nothing wrong and am exempt from paying council tax."

Mike Mulcahy, chief executive of the Blackburn and District Blind Society, said: "I am absolutely furious about this.

"The idea behind involving Capita in the provision of council services was that it would be cheaper and quicker

"Many other blind people could be faced with a similar prosecution, even though they have done nothing wrong.

"A person who can't read because they are blind could inadvertently find themselves with a criminal record.

"We represent the interests of 4,000 blind people across East Lancashire and there's no saying how many of them could be affected like this."

Alan Cotton, director of finance at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We recognise that, in this instance, there have been slight delays in processing Mr Dysart's claim.

"As a council, we strive for excellence and realise that on this occasion our level of service has been unacceptable.

"The summons has been withdrawn and Mr Dysart has been sent a full and frank letter of apology."