I am writing about the story of Billy Beff Billy was one of life's tragedies' (Guardian, February 22) and the appalling treatment he received.

Arena Housing should be ashamed. It is supposed to be a caring housing association, but all it is bothered about is the rent.

It should have informed the police so they could investigate if Mr Beff was all right. It is a disgrace and I could not believe what I was reading. The social services were more bothered about £79 which was 16 years old. What about the thousands that are being defrauded every week and is written off? What right have they to deny a man a priest? It is a total disregard of a person's human rights and whoever said he could not have one should be sacked.

We live in the 21st century and something like this can happen. It does not say much for the church either, who could have sent a priest along.

MR W Smith Newton-le-Willows