Liverpool Council has been forced to apologise following a potential data breach after 10,000 letters relating to council tax energy rebates were issued incorrectly.
Earlier this week, the local authority sent out thousands of letters to homes across the city who do not pay by direct debit, inviting them to apply for the scheme. On Wednesday afternoon, council officials realised that the wrong names had been placed on the letters and sent out to addresses.
The council has issued a statement confirming it will now investigate the matter “in accordance with our data breach protocols”. They have assured residents that there is “no possibility that a person can claim the energy rebate inappropriately using the details contained in the this letter because we undertake several identity and bank account checks before we make a payment.” The statement added: “We are very sorry that this has happened and the correct letters will start to be sent to affected households from Friday.
