Malcolm David BURGE · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 28 June 2014 Malcolm David BURGE (the deceased) died at Southmead Hospital, Bristol having earlier that day set light to himself and his car in a car park at the Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

At the Inquest evidence was given that the deceased owed Newham Council (the Council) £800.69 in respect of overpaid housing benefit and council tax benefit.

The Court understand that the deceased had never before owed money or been in debt but due to a number of factors in particular his age, lack of mental awareness, inability to both understand and use the internet and modern telephone procedures communicate his problems to the Council and as a result took the drastic action that brought about his death.

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