I WRITE in response to last week's letter from Philip Johnson, of Solvay Road, Winnington, asking Why such an outcry over the restructuring of the Benefits Agency?

Mr Johnson should check his facts before making such sweeping statements.

The Benefits Agency (Hartford House) has virtually no dealings with the unemployed. These people are dealt with by the Employment Service on London Road, Northwich. Therefore reducing unemployment figures makes no difference to the level of service required at the Benefits Agency.

No costings have been made as to what, if any, savings will be made by moving work to Chester. How, therefore, can Mr Johnson state that this is "prudent economics and sound financial management?"

The taxpayer no longer foots the bill for Hartford House as the previous government sold off all Benefits Agency buildings to a private concern.

Perhaps Mr Johnson should have attended the public meeting held on August 6 at the Memorial Hall in Northwich, where all of these points were made quite clear.

C Insley,

Winnington.

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