I wrote:
“Sir
Myself and several FISHINGmagic members have signed up to receive a new rod licence by direct debit but have not received them. The fee has not been removed from our accounts, but the problem is that we cannot go fishing without a licence, but feel we cannot risk buying a licence by other means in case we then receive another one bought by direct debit.
Can you advise please.
Graham Marsden
Editor, FISHINGmagic“
And Stephen Gledhill replied:
“Dear Graham,
Thank you for the e-mail and question.
We have dealt with and processed all applications which we received by the 10th February closing date. However there are two outstanding issues:
1) Some applications have only just arrived – too late to be processed for this year and we are writing to all these applicants.
2) Some applications have not arrived at all so far, and having checked our databases I regret to say that yours is one of these.
What does this mean?
It is now too late to set up an account for this year. If any of your members/contributors want to know whether or not we have received their applications you should contact the Rod Licence Administration Centre on 01925 653 999. I would be grateful that you advise others who haven’t heard anything yet to do the same.
Given that you won’t be receiving your licence this year through the Direct Debit scheme, I would recommend you to buy your licence by some other means; the Post Office, on-line (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish) or telephone sales (0870 1662662).
In due course, once we know who you are, we will ensure that you are not double charged.
Royal Mail is investigating how the delays have arisen.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused to those whose applications have been affected.
Regards
Stephen Gledhill
Fisheries Communications and Marketing Officer
for the Environment Agency”
