Might be in the wrong forum but I'm sure Ken'll move it if it is.

We're about 30 miles from Preston and a five minute walk from one of our local JCP office. However it seems we now have to send all our letters for the local JCP offices (Wigan and Leigh) and for Bolton BDC to Preston for them to open it and then forward it to the correct office. None of the local offices has had the courtesty of notifying us of this even though we've been liaising with them for about 20 years or so.

I'm struggling a bit as I'm not sure what to send where now. Is it just letters as above or do we send everything such as claims etc ?

Are there any advisors out there else from this area who can confirm this please?

Oh and this will be a massive surpise to you all but the local JCP told me this morning I had to send an official complaint letter to Preston but not to hold out much hope of a reply and I quote "...they're getting things wrong and post is ending up in the wrong place..."

Well I never!

Don't forget Tax Credits is also at Preston and they have a mail service which is also quite good at "getting things wrong and post ending up in the wrong place". You never know - maybe your complaint letter will be answered by the Tax credit Office!!

If I could draw it would be a pig flying!!

If you're going to complain i'd suggest writing direct to your district Manager. Sod writing to Preston - what's the point if it's going to get lost?!!

When I spoke to them the other day they said they get post in and immediately direct it to Preston to be opened and returned. I can't believe they actually admitted it.

Send it recorded or get proof of posting?

At least you've proof then if it comes to an argument.

They not only have a district manager, but also an external relations manager - with email adresses - which were up to date as late as August - see below:

---------------------------

Manchester West & East District Manager Chris Heaton
Othen House
7 Oldham Road
Middleton
Manchester, M24 1BX
TEL 0161 6542040
Christine.heaton@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

External Relations Manager Marie Gillott
Othen House
7 Oldham Road
Middleton
Manchester
M24 1BE
TEL: 0161 654 2085
EMAIL: marie.gillott@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

Mike you're a star. You always come up with obscure stuff.

If anyone is interested, we have a complete list of Regional Directors, District managers and External relations Managers for all the districts in the UK - excluding NI - with postal addresses, tel numbers and Email addresses.

These should be used where one cannot get any satisfaction at local level, or one is running into procedual problems etc - In the eastern region, we have also been given the contact details of all the local offices, BDC management etc, at the instigation of the regional Director - no doubt if you ask the question, you can probably get the same information in your own areas.