CHRISTMAS cards have been sent out to Bolton at Home tenants reminding them how much rent they owe.

The move has been blasted as insensitive and patronising by residents — but housing chiefs claimed some customers preferred the "gentle approach".

The housing provider has now apologised to anyone offended — and has also launched an investigation after some of the cards were delivered in unsealed envelopes.

One tenant, who asked not to be named, said: “When the card came through the door, I thought how nice it was for Bolton at Home to wish me seasons greetings.

“But when I opened it to see a reminder of my arrears and a warning about overspending at Christmas I was mortified and really angry. I found it extremely patronising.

She added: “I felt pre-judged. I know what level of arrears I am in. It is under £150 and I am chipping away at it.

"There was just no need for this because they send us formal reminders every 12 weeks.

“It is not an easy time of year for a lot of people and I just think the way this was done could push people over the edge.”

Bolton at Home chief executive Jon Lord said the cards were intended as a "gentle way" to remind tenants of their situation.

He said: “We have sent these cards out for about four years and the comments we have had back suggested that people preferred this approach at this time of year compared to a heavy arrears letter.

“I fully accept that it could be taken both ways, but it is certainly not designed to offend anyone and if that has happened then I apologise.

"There is no easy way to do this but this is the first time we have had complaints about the Christmas cards and we will certainly take them on board.”

Mr Lord said: “We have had a small but significant number of these complaints and we never wanted that .We were convinced that we sealed all of the envelopes and we are trying to find out if the problem had come from us or from the Post Office.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: "In my opinion, sharing information in such a way is a serious breach of a customer’s data protection.

“The card arrived in an opened state meaning anyone could now know that I'm in arrears.

“Also, have they identified any vulnerable tenants who may be feeling much more emotional, distressed and desperate at this particular time of year before sending out their details all over the place?”

Mr Lord said: “We have had a small but significant number of these complaints and we never wanted that .We were convinced that we sealed all of the envelopes and we are trying to find out the source of the problem."

Conservative councillor Martin Cox said he sympathised with Bolton at Home.

He added: "Landlords will often come across as insensitive or patronising but it is a no-win situation. There is also never a good time to remind people about rent arrears."