Human resources director Martin Roberts attributed the current six-week backlog to staff sickness and cutbacks which had led to those who have left not being replaced.He said they were currently interviewing temporary staff to help the department through this very busy time of licence renewal – a system they had adopted at similarly hectic periods.
Pressure had increased because of staff sickness and the need for other staff to deal with late rate payments and other inquiries.’Parishioners asked the parish to make cutbacks and as a result some staff who have left have not been replaced until it was absolutely necessary,’ he said.
Although the parish had obtained the rate they sought, there was still a need to make savings wherever possible.Mr Roberts said it was hoped that the taking on of temporary staff over the next few months would shorten the current waiting list.
