Where are all the public servants?

To The Daily Telegraph

While I have no doubt that many are interested in sinking Boris Johnson, I’d far prefer our elected representatives to put their expensive time and efforts into sorting out why it takes six months to get a tax refund, four months to renew a driving licence or get a passport, and four weeks to get a doctor’s appointment.

Mike Metcalfe, Butleigh, Somerset

To The Daily Telegraph

I recently discovered a government department I had never heard of called the Office of the Public Guardian. This is where applications are made to set up a power of attorney. Having completed two documents (health and finance) and attached the appropriate cheques totalling £164, I posted them first class on 25 February. Since then I’ve heard nothing, and there is no sign on my bank statement of the cheques having been presented. A month ago, I looked up the telephone number and stupidly thought I might manage to speak to a member of staff. Instead I listened to the recorded message, announcing that there would be a delay of 20 weeks from the receipt of documents. If I am no longer alive by 15 July and someone is going into the office, could they kindly return my cheques? Virginia Besly, Melton, Suffolk

To The Daily Telegraph

Recently, a colleague of mine spoke to a senior member of Huntingdonshire District Council, and was astounded to be told that staff were only required to go in to the office once every eight weeks. Further up the food chain, I had reason to walk into Cambridgeshire County Council’s £18m New Shire Hall a couple of weeks ago, where I was met with an eerie silence. The sole receptionist informed me that no one actually worked there. When I asked why, I was told: “It’s policy.” There was no further explanation; I was simply referred to the website. Is this now standard for local government? Eppie Anderson, Tansor, Northamptonshire