British Gas sent 1p bill to dead Batley woman

Stevie Bennett thought his family had done the responsible thing following her death by taking care of her financial affairs.

But last week a demand for one penny dropped through his letterbox.

Mr Bennett, 45, said: “We were so angry and complained but we were just told the account had 1p in balance. They did not have much sympathy for us.

“My sister said she would send them 2p and tell them to keep the change as all they care about is the money.”

Mr Bennett’s mum, Mary, died aged 76 in February this year after losing her three year battle with cancer.

She lived at Woodland Court in Staincliffe.

Mr Bennett, the owner of Sunshack Tanning Salon in Carlinghow, said: “The family are disgusted that they would send a bill for just 1p.

“My mum passed away only a couple of months ago and we are all still grieving and very upset.

“She was very well known and everyone called her their angel. This has only made it harder for us all.”

Leigh Franks, of British Gas, said: “I am very sorry that we sent a bill in error to Mr Bennett at such a distressing time.

“We should have explained this to Mr Bennett at the time and we have now called him to apologise.”