Hot on the heels of the government denying any desire to probe into our houses and accusations of scaremongering by political opponents, I received a letter form South Gloucestershire Council’s Private Housing Sector yesterday:
It seeks my cooperation in their survey of privately owned dwellings. Not quite what Wollas is denying, to be sure and the letter infers that this is voluntary – although we know from bitter experience what government means when it uses the term voluntary.
I did a little research and, sure enough, it is driven by central government’s desire for data. Except that as I have not been asked for my cooperation before arrangements are in place; the letter is pretty much a fait accomplis; I am disinclined to cooperate.
There are two objections on my part; firstly, if you want someone to do you a favour, you ask first and give them an option to decline – nowhere on this letter is there any information about what to do if you do not wish to participate. Participation is assumed. And the surveys have already started – indeed the letter confirms that they started in early February, over a month ago. I do not take kindly to officials who assume my cooperation and ask after the arrangements are already in place unbeknown to me.
Secondly, I have learned to regard all government and its agencies with deep mistrust. Consequently, I have written back to the private housing manager and advised him that I do not plan to cooperate, that any consultant calling will be refused entry and I will not be answering any questions. I regard it as an object lesson in polite behaviour, but I suspect that it will not be taken that way. Too bad. I pay a considerable sum of money each year for street lighting and refuse collection; beyond that all I require of the council is that they leave me alone.