THE excuses the council come up with to explain the massive rent arrears in Bury never fail to amaze me. Apparently, the latest one is that people are not paying their rent because they are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

I don't think that Councillor Kevin Scarlett is living in the real world. I think he is getting confused with the people who are claiming benefits but who are not entitled to them.

I am sure that the people who do pay their rent would be interested to know just how many people who are entitled to claim benefit do not actually do so.

I find it disgusting that £1.1 million in rent is owing. So why not get a few of those people out of their nice warm town hall offices and out knocking on doors, like they used to.

KATHLEEN JONES,

Glenboro Avenue,

Bury.

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