tenants pressure group over the way they treat customers.

Staff working in the Government's Financial Assistance department have been accused of being "hostile'' and making people feel "embarrassed''.

And in a letter to the department's acting director, Government Housing Tenants Council spokesman Lou Matthews also claims that many people seeking assistance have had "degrading experiences associated with your department''.

"As you may be aware, it is not an easy task for people to accept housing and or social assistance,'' Mr. Matthews, a teacher at CedarBridge Academy, said in a letter to acting director Olga Scott.

"This task is made all the more unbearable if hostile or insensitive staff carries it out. Our residents deserve the very best possible service. I am sure that you and your staff work extremely hard to ensure that Bermudians are able to cope with the economic stresses that they may be in.

"In the meantime it is important that, while doing so, you safeguard the dignity, respect and privacy of the people you are charged to assist.

"Over the past year we have received numerous complaints concerning the degrading experiences associated with your department.'' Mr. Matthews cited the case of one woman who was asked to provide essential information to the department last week in order for her allowance to be assessed.

"Ms Butterfield and her employer's human resources department representative reported that they gave full cooperation to facilitate this request,'' Mr.

Matthews said. "However, the treatment Ms Butterfield received by you and your department -- according to her -- was embarrassing and hostile. She felt that this was unnecessary since she provided the information you requested.

"Your approach and attitude towards Ms Butterfield made her feel as though she was unworthy of such assistance and has made her reluctant to accept assistance from your department in the future.'' Last night Financial Assistance acting director Olga Scott refused to comment on the allegations.

"I have checked the mail and as yet we have not received the letter,'' she said.

"Once I have received the letter I will be in a position to respond.'' GOVERNMENT GVT